Kofi Ampeah Woode
Ghana Army’s 1 Infantry Battalion (1Bn), in conjunction with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has held a Non-Denominational Religious Thanksgiving Service, to herald the passing-out of one hundred and twenty-four (124) Security Trainees, who have undergone some level of military training at Michel Camp.
The service was held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Michel Camp, under the theme: Great is thy Faithfulness, on Sunday 3 March 2024, with the Guest of Honour being the Deputy Port Human Resource Manager, GPHA – Mr Joseph Kuukpen.
The security trainees assembled for training at the Michel Camp Barracks on Saturday 20 January 2024, with one hundred and twenty-six (126) persons (including 27 females), however one trainee – Tenou Derrick – passed away during the course of training, while one lady, on medical grounds, could not make it to the Passing-Out parade, which would be held on Friday 8 March, 2024.
Delivering his address, Mr Kuukpen said the GPHA has a long-standing relationship with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), and as a model institution of professionalism and discipline, the maritime institution takes pride in its partnership with GAF, in the areas of training of its personnel.
He continued that the six-weeks training is pivotal to their constructive phase, as members of the Security Department of the GPHA, as every aspect of the training is designed to help shape trainees into astute professionals, capable of assisting the GPHA, to efficiently deliver on its core mandate of providing unique, safe and secure port management in Ghana.
He reminded the trainees that the profession they have chosen is a unique one, which demands from its membership, a high level of integrity, dedication and commitment, virtues which are instilled at that stage of training.
Sleepless nights, annoyance parades and rigorous training, are all crafted to refine trainees as individuals, with unblemished professional posture capable of performing physically and mentally demanding tasks, at the highest possible levels of proficiency, in the wake of terrorism and other complex security challenges across the globe, he averred.
Delivering a sermonette after a Spirit-inspired worship session led by the Tema Port Security Manager – Colonel Benjamin Boamah, the Resident Pastor, PIWC – Pastor Lieutenant (Lt) Franklyn Kwadwo Kumi-Lartey, reminded the trainees of God’s faithfulness to them, for which reason, they ought to return that faithfulness in their service to their leaders, GPHA and state.
He admonished them to keep in mind that; 1) hard work does not break a bone; 2) tough times do not last – for which reason, their 6-week training, although arduous, have soon elapsed, as they persisted; 3) only those who begin and finish deserve rewards, as the scripture says in Revelations 2:10: “… be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life”.
Present at the Service included the Commander Rear, 1Bn – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Frank Adams; General Staff Officer (Grade 1) at the Army Headquarters, Burma Camp – Lt Col Daniel Ampadu; Officers, Regimental Sergeant Major, 1Bn – Senior Warrant Officer Class 2 Anarfi Philip, Soldiers, Senior Officers of GPHA Security Department, Defence Civilian Staff, and Congregants of PIWC.
PHOTOS CREDIT: 1BN PR DET
