Kofi Ampeah Woode
The 66 Artillery Regiment (66 Arty Regt) – The Gunners – of the Ghana Army (GA) has been lauded for cooling-off activities of secessionist groups in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana in 2022, and have thus, been charged to be more vigilant in the ensuing year, and not be taken by surprises.
The commendations came from an address by Ghana’s Volta Regional Minister – Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who was Guest-of-Honour at the Unit’s 2022 West Africa Soldier Social Activities (WASSA), held at the Volta Barracks, Ho, Volta Region, on Friday, January 6, 2023.
The Regional Minister further applauded 66 Arty Regt for its participation in numerous Operations such as CALM LIFE, ENHANCED CALM LIFE, MOTHERLAND, AHODWO, LOOK SHARP, among others, which he said have helped to keep the two Regions safe.
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the Gunners – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Edward Sarpong Appiah, in a welcome address, urged his troops to avoid complacency in any form, and continue to remain disciplined, professional, dedicated, effective in the discharge of their duties, as the Regiment collaborates with other security services, and remain open to the ordinary citizens to be able to access information, and continue to conduct operations to disrupt criminal activities that might interfere with the peace and security of the Volta and Oti Regions.
Col Appiah further stressed to remind his troops that the year 2023 would bring along daunting tasks and that they should be conscientized to resolve to work harder to maintain the high standards that the Regiment is noted for.
The Regional Minister, on behalf of the Regiment, presented a citation to the First CO of 66 Arty Regt (then Medium Mortar Regiment – which was established on April 16, 1966) – Col Ekow Jones (Rtd), in recognition of his contribution towards establishing the regiment, whiles Sergeant Apuri Collins was awarded BEST MALE SOLDIER, Lance Bombardier Kumah Priscilla Abena – BEST FEMALE SOLDIER, Bombardier Nyamasekpor Bismark Selorm – BEST SOLDIER, ARTILLERY TRAINING SCHOOL (ATRS), and Gulbi Raymond was BEST DEFENCE CIVILIAN STAFF.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Municipal Chief Executive of Ho – Mr Divine Bosson, Member of Parliament for North Tongu – Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Command Operations Officer, Southern Command – Col Emmanuel Appiah, CO, ATRS – Lt Col Kwame Sam Appiah, CO, Base Ammunition Depot – Lt Col Laapo, Senior Officers, Officers, Regimental Sergeant Major – Senior Warrant Officer Class II Awusavi Joseph, Warrant Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Employees.
