President swears in new Chief of Army Staff
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday swore in the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Obed Boamah Akwa, at a brief ceremony at the Flagstaff House.
Advertisement
At the ceremony, which was attended by the top brass of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Akwa took three oaths - official, allegiance and secrecy.
President Mahama described Major General Akwa as a “smart, loyal and professional officer.”
He advised him to continue to be loyal to the State and the Constitution.
“It is my hope that you carry out your mandate without fear or favour," the President advised him.
Major General Akwa, a former aide-de-camp to former President Kufuor, was until the new appointment the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra.
Safeguard country
In an address, President Mahama urged the military to be extra alert to safeguard the country as the nation inched closer to the election.
“This year is an election year, and it means we must heighten our alertness," he said.
Other Trending Stories
He said the military needed to be on standby to assist the police and the other security agencies that would be, primarily, responsible for election security, when the need arises.
Touching on the activities of terrorists and other trans-border crimes, the President said they presented a challenge to the military to protect the territorial peace of the country.
“We live in a sub-region that is becoming increasingly dangerous from the threats of armed pirates, terrorists and robbers, among others,” he said.
Confidence in GAF
President Mahama said Ghanaians have full confidence in the GAF to always rise up to the occasion.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the government to resource the military to deliver on their mandate.
He mentioned the redevelopment of military barracks and garrisons, as well as infrastructure projects at the various Regional Commands, and the provision of equipment and logistics as some of the actions the government continued to undertake to improve the military.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal Michael Samson-Oje, pledged the Ghana Armed Forces' loyalty to the State.
“We assure you of our total loyalty to you as our Commander-in-Chief and the President of this Republic, and we are prepared to undertake any task 24/7 rain or shine,” he said.
He commended the President for the appointment of the new army chief and other promotions, and indicated that they were aware of the responsibilities that such promotions came with.