Protect nation’s sovereignty - President charges new military chiefs
President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly appointed Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyapong, and the Service Chiefs to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and loyalty in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy and territorial integrity.
The President gave the directive when the newly promoted military leaders paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House yesterday to pledge their allegiance to the state and the Constitution.
The delegation included Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Levinus Bessing; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, and the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai.
Courageous leadership
President Mahama, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), commended the military hierarchy for their dedication and urged them to implement necessary reforms to enhance efficiency.
“Be resolute in your leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces. Effect courageous changes based on professionalism if need be,” he said.
He also praised the Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for making history as the first female Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council.
Commitment to troop welfare
The President acknowledged the challenges facing the military, including a GH¢275 million debt owed food suppliers since August 2023.
He assured the leadership that the Ministries of Finance and Defence were working to clear the arrears, while ensuring timely payments going forward.
In order to boost operational efficiency, the government has allocated over GH¢6.7 billion to the Defence Ministry this year, with a promise of increased funding as the economy stabilises.
“We will continue to work to improve the conditions of service of our men and women in uniform,” President Mahama affirmed.
Infrastructure development
The President disclosed plans to upgrade the Asutsuare Training Camp into a world-class facility and tasked the military to explore innovative financing for infrastructure projects, particularly in troop accommodation.
He also urged the Defence Industries Holding Company (DEHOC) to expand its operations into agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and vehicle assembly to contribute to national development.
In his response, Major General William Ajepong, the CDS, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them.
“We reaffirm our unflinching loyalty to the Constitution, the State, and you as Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
The CDS added that, “Under your leadership, we will work tirelessly to protect Ghana’s sovereignty.”
