Govt will strengthen capacity of GAF to support economy

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed the commitment of the government to upgrade the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and strengthen their capacity to complement other sectors of the economy.

He explained that as the economy expanded and more opportunities were created, threat to national security could heighten if proper structures and mechanisms were not put in place.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Defence Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, at the 2013 General Headquarters West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) celebration in Accra last Friday, President Mahama said the economy had to be put on a sound footing to enable Ghanaians to optimise their huge potentials.

“This underscores the numerous initiatives my government is taking to modernise the Ghanaian economy to enable us to sustain the momentum of growth which is unfolding,” he said.

Security and Economic growth

President Mahama said since security moved in tandem with economic growth, the government would spare no effort at strengthening security.

He, therefore, commended the GAF and other security agencies for their dedication and determination in protecting the country from external and internal threats to security.

The President called on Ghanaians to come together to address development challenges, adding, “Let us keep our country together and eschew divisive tendencies that can promote acrimony.

“I would like to chip in a word of advice to criminal groups, environmental degraders and detractors of peace that opportunities exist in the economy to channel their energies into more productive and rewarding enterprises that will earn them decent livelihood,” he said.

GAF WASSA

In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff of the GAF, General Brigadier Bobson Saagbul, said WASSA was an occasion for the personnel of GAF to take stock of their activities, identify the success and failures and chart the way forward in a relaxed atmosphere.

According to him, although 2013 was a challenging year with all the resource constraint, the GAF was able to accomplish its mission and meet set targets.

On the international front, Gen Saagbul said GAF were able to carry out all their international obligations to the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS with the deployment and maintenance of their troops in the various peace-keeping missions.

“The year 2014 will be equally challenging if we are to effectively support the government to carry out the infrastructural and developmental programmes outlined in this year’s budget. We, therefore, need to remain professional, focused and committed than ever before to meet our constitutional obligations squarely,” he stressed.

The occasion was also used to honour outstanding personnel of the military for their resilience and hard work towards the advancement of the GAF.