President pledges strong government support for military defense

General News of Friday, March 22, 2019

Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

2019-03-22

The government has announced its intention to give a boost to Ghana's military academy in Teshie, Accra, through a US $ 100 million loan facility currently in parliament.

President Akufo-Addo is expected to cut next month for the start of the project, which is expected to be completed within two years.

This was announced yesterday when the president joined the Ghana Armed Forces for his social activity for West African soldiers in 2018 (WASSA), at Burma camp headquarters.

While recognizing the commitment of the army, President Akufo-Addo commended them for their selfless dedication to the country's protection.

He expressed the Government's unwavering support for the armed forces and provided them with the necessary resources and appropriate remuneration and compensation.

"This Government is fully committed to the well-being and well-being of the men and women of Ghana's armed forces. We will continue to live up to the commitments we made in the 2016 manifesto that brought my party, the New Patriotic Party, and myself to power.

"In addition to others, we increased the UN peacekeeping troops' contribution from $ 30 to $ 35 per soldier per day, we cleared the $ 13 million arrears for all UN personnel. maintain the peace. you wanted, we also settled the 11.1% of arrears due to civilian employees and proceeded to a 10% pay revision for all staff, "he said.

The president added that "the completion of the 3rd phase of the 37 military hospital is underway and that we are also completing the 500-bed military hospital in the Ashanti region, and that we will begin the third phase of this project soon.

"Barrack regeneration projects are underway, with the four blocks of 16 apartments being 60% to 75% complete. Nearly a month ago, in accordance with the commitment made in October 2018, I presented 50 ANKAI buses, 40 Toyota Land Cruisers and 50 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, which were part of the first one. 138 vehicles of service and vehicles of different categories, to the armed forces.

"So, you know that when I make a promise, I respect it. During the year, we will provide the army with 30 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) Otokar and 6 fast patrol vessels for the Navy.

"We are also making systematic efforts to protect our now-valuable offshore oil badets by establishing an advanced operations base in Enzulebu, in the Western Region, to protect them. The construction of the base will begin this year, "he said.

Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul confirmed that the lending mechanism to modernize the military academy had been presented to Parliament.

"Mr. Speaker, today, with your support, I have tabled in Parliament a $ 100 million loan that will change the face of the Ghana Military Academy in Teshie.

"We expect the president to cut the grbad next month. We expect that after a year, when you visit the Military Academy of Ghana, you will see another Military Academy.

"Mr. President, some of this money will be used to build decent housing and housing for our troops, especially those in the ranks of all garrison forces in Ghana. in Tamale, Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Sunyani and Kumasi, "he said.

In his welcome address, General Staff Obed Boamah Akwa, Chief of the Defense Staff, congratulated the President and Area Minister for redesigning the GAF, adding that that it was "necessary to do more."