Veep inaugurates GAF headquarters, cuts sod for second phase

The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has inaugurated a new headquarters building for the Ghana Army at Burma Camp in Accra.

Dr Bawumia also cut the sod for the start of the second phase of the ultra-modern office complex for the GAF.

Christened the “Odartey Wellington Block”, the headquarters complex, when fully completed, will comprise 37 offices, three conference rooms and an armoury and accommodate the entire staff of the Army.

Construction

The Vice-President urged the GAF hierarchy to proceed with the construction of the main structure in earnest and assured them of the government’s support.

He expressed the hope that the Army would adhere strictly to the maintenance of the building to ensure a desired working environment and the promotion of staff efficiency and work satisfaction.

He acknowledged the efforts of initiators of the project and said an office environment should be one that connected people and promoted productivity and good health, as well as well-being.

He described the initiative as not only an important milestone in the history of the Army but also one which signified a progressive new era for the Army.

“As we are aware, the Army Headquarters serves as the nerve centre for such critical internal security and major operations. To this end, a befitting facility such as this is ideal for the planning and coordination of activities. The new project should, therefore, usher in new hope for the entire workforce of the Army,” Dr Bawumia said.

Army Week

The inauguration and the sod-cutting were part of activities marking this year’s Ghana Army Week, which started from September 13 and will end tomorrow, September 29, 2019.

Some of the activities undertaken so far to mark the week included a route march, a wreath-laying ceremony, the launch of a magazine for the Ghana Army, a symposium, a medical outreach and a clean-up exercise.

A non-denominational thanksgiving service will climax the activities tomorrow, Sunday, September 29, 2019.

The Ghana Army Week is meant to showcase activities of the Army, reinforce their commitment to provide security for the state and also boost the morale of personnel who have excelled over the years.

This year’s celebration is on the theme: “Ghana Army — Providing security for national development”.

Parade

Earlier, at the 48 Engineers Regiment at Teshie near Accra, 33 officers and 260 soldiers treated the Vice-President and other guests to some impressive drills, including foot and rifle drills, as well as equipment display, at a special parade as part of the Army Week celebration.

Dr Bawumia, who was the reviewing officer, described the celebration as an impressive initiative that must be institutionalised to remind the rank and file of their responsibilities in protecting the country against external aggression and to also support sister security agencies to ensure peace and security in the country.

“It is an opportunity to showcase the Army to their civilian counterparts for them to appreciate the sacrifices you make daily to make law-abiding people go about their daily chores in peace in the country.

“The celebration should re-energise all rank and file to continually give of their best in service to Mother Ghana,” he added.

The Vice-President singled out the female contingent, whom he said gave a good account of themselves during the parade, and pointed out that their performance was an indication that women were ready to take up their rightful places alongside their male counterparts in all spheres of the profession.

While assuring the Army of the commitment of the government to ensure they received their fair share of support, he cautioned them against complacency, as the sub-region was besieged by terrorist activities.

He called for a redoubling of efforts in intelligence gathering and the sharpening of skills in order not to be overtaken by events.

Appreciation

The Chief of the Army Staff, Major General William Azure Ayamdo, expressed appreciation to the Minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr Godfred Andoh, whom he described as a friend of the GAF, for single-handedly financing the project to a point, until the Army complemented it with their internally generated funds.

He said in spite of their financial challenges, the Army were committed to pursuing their dream of completing the project.