Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has undertaken a familiarisation tour of 1 Infantry Battalion (1 BN), 815 Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) and the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS).
The visit on Wednesday, 10 April 2024, which underscores the COAS’ commitment to enhancing operational readiness, and fostering strong ties with military installations, offered him the opportunity to officially introduce himself to troops, and also gain at first-hand, information about operations of the Garrison, as well as outlining his vision and mission to troops.
The COAS’ first point of call was Michel Camp – where 1BN co-locates with 851 EOD Regiment and BAD – where a guard of honour parade was held in his honour.
Afterwards, he received a centralised briefing with presentations by Commander, EOD Regiment – Colonel Gasper Asare, Commanding Officer (CO), BAD – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Abdul Wahab Tahiru Issah, and Commander Rear (Cdr/R) 1BN – Lt Col Frank Adams, apprising him of critical operational aspects and strategic imperatives within their respective Units.
The briefing encompassed a spectrum of key areas, including administration, logistics, welfare, and future projections of each unit as well as challenges.
In his address following the briefing, the COAS reiterated Ghana Army’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to optimize operational effectiveness across all units, and underscored the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adaptability, in meeting the evolving security challenges facing the nation.
The final leg of the tour took the COAS and his entourage to the ARTS, where the Commanding Officer, Lt Col AWT Issah briefed on various aspects of recruit training, including curriculum development, training methodologies, and performance standards, emphasizing on the school’s pivotal role in shaping the Army’s future leaders and soldiers.
At separate durbar with troops, COAS expressed his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism exhibited by troops. He however issued a strong advisory urging all military personnel to abstain from engaging in gambling activities, with a particular emphasis on betting, which he said poses a risk to individual financial stability.
COAS further delivered a resounding message to troops, emphasizing the critical importance of remaining neutral and apolitical during the upcoming general elections, underscoring the military’s duty to uphold the principles of democracy, while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
Maj Gen BK Onwona also commissioned a Squad Shed for 1BN, and inspected ongoing projects.
He was accompanied on the tour by the General Officer Commanding, Southern Command – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Samuel Yeboah Asare; Commander, Army Training Command – Brig Gen Stephen Woseadzikpo Parbey; and Senior Officers from the Army Headquarters.
Credit: GHANA ARMY PR
