Kofi Ampeah Woode
All too soon, the Year 2022 is coming to an end, and it is prudent to take stock of our activities and to also make the necessary resolutions to make the coming year a better one.
As we take stock of 2022, I wish to thank the gallant Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Army for your dedication and commitment to duty in serving our nation. In spite of certain challenges in the conduct of our duties during the year under review, I am grateful to the Almighty God that we remained focused and successfully played our roles in support of national development.
Your performances on internal and external operations have been excellent and highly commendable. You stood tall in exhibiting professionalism and dedication in Op Op HALT II, CONQUERED FIST, GONGONG, CALM LIFE, MOTHERLAND and other targeted operations conducted within the year.
Army Units deployed on various peacekeeping operations continued to receive special commendations from the UN and local authorities for outstanding performance. In the sporting arena, the Ghana Army Teams are making great strides both within and outside Ghana. The Ghana Army Teams are currently the National Champions in Volleyball (Women), Hockey (Men), Tennis (Men), Table Tennis (Women), Track and Field Events (both Men and Women), and Marathon (both Men and Women).
The creation of new Brigades/Units such as the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), 15 Armoured Brigade, 17 Army Signal Regiment and Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) has enabled the Ghana Army to respond effectively to the current security demands.
The year was eventful with challenging training activities and exercises in all Units and Commands. Major Field Training Exercises such as Ex BURNING ARROW, FLAMING SPEAR, HOMESHIELD and Land Combat Firepower Demonstration were executed to the satisfaction and admiration of all.
Personnel of the Ghana Army also participated in international exercises and competitions like Ex AFRICAN LION, Ex FLINTLOCK and Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL. Once again, our personnel excelled, thus making the Ghana Army and by extension the Ghana Armed Forces proud.
We will continue to vigorously train in the coming year in order to maintain and improve capacity to deal resolutely with any situation/threats that may crop up.
Terrorism remains a key threat to our national security, and I urge All Ranks to be prepared to deal decisively with any such situation.
I am aware of the logistical challenges confronting the Ghana Army, and it is my resolve to improve on the situation by soliciting for assistance from friends and corporate entities to complement the efforts of Government. Consequently, we will continue to put up accommodation facilities and procure new fleet of vehicles as well as repair/refurbish old ones.
It has been great working with you all. Let us pat ourselves on the shoulder for the successes chalked this year. Let us remain professional, disciplined, and dedicated to our noble course in the strive for peace and security for Mother Ghana.
On this occasion my thoughts are with our gallant Officers and Soldiers who are in foreign lands to help keep smiles on the faces of those affected by conflicts. Your contribution is much acknowledged, and may the Good Lord keep you safe wherever you are.
I take this opportunity to remember our gallant Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff who could not make it to the end of the Year 2022. They fought the good fight and left indelible marks in our hearts. May their departed souls rest in the peace of the Lord.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
T OPPONG-PEPRAH
Major General
Chief of the Army Staff
