Kofi Ampeah Woode
A 180-capacity ultramodern office complex has been inaugurated for the Forces Pay Regiment (FPR) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), to avail adequate and conducive office spaces, and overcome cluttered workstations that cause low productivity and morale, and lack of concentration.
The commissioning of the outstanding edifice was done on Friday 4 October 2024 by the Chief of the Defence Staff, GAF – Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Thomas Oppong-Peprah, as the Guest of Honour, and Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Enusah Abdulai (Rtd) – after whom the building has been christened – as the Special Guest.
Delivering his address, General Oppong-Peprah said the commissioning of the remarkable office block marks not just the completion of a building, but also the beginning of new opportunities, collaborations, and innovations that would flourish within the Regiment.
“In today’s fast-paced world, adequate office space that provides a conducive atmosphere and supports work is crucial to the success of every organization”, he said, furthering that the construction of the building is a mark of professionalism, teamwork and dedication of a Regiment.
He repeated his very popular quote; “There are always one hundred and over reasons that a thing cannot be done, but there will always be that one reason why it can be done”, stating that the FPR has exemplified that statement, with the construction of the edifice.
The ENUSAH ABDULAI BLOCK, Lt Gen Oppong-Peprah said, is designed with modern amenities, with a layout that encourages teamwork through open spaces, while also providing areas for privacy when needed, and caters to the needs of personnel of the FPR, as well as those who walk in to seek information or access service, creating an environment where ideas can flourish, with individuals thriving professionally.
He urged personnel of the Unit to leverage on the resources available in the new office block, to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create solutions that enhance the quality of work.
Of Brig Gen Abdulai (Rtd), General Oppong-Peprah said naming the edifice after him also celebrates an individual whose legacy will forever be intertwined with the office block, as a man whose commitment to excellence and innovation has had a profound impact on the Pay Corps, and GAF as a whole, being not only a visionary leader, but also a mentor to many, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness.
The Special Guest – a former Commanding Officer (CO) of FPR and a former Defence Financial Comptroller, GAF – said of his name being on the plaque of the building, as representing the values, hard work, and commitment that is commonly shared as members of the Pay Corps, and a symbol of the collective efforts of all, embodying the commitment to excellence, innovation, and service within the Forces Pay Corps, and GAF in general.
“I want to urge all personnel of the Pay Corps and most especially those serving directly under the Commanding Officer in the Regiment, to continue to support him as he drives innovation and excellence. I urge you all to move forward together and let us always remember that our greatest achievements are often derived from teamwork and shared vision.
May this edifice serve as a reminder of what we can achieve together when we support one another. Let us continue to strive for greatness while fostering an environment where everyone can thrive”, Brig Gen Abdulai (Rtd) said.
Then, there was the prolonged thunderous and rousing applause from mainly personnel of the FPR there gathered, at the introduction of their Commanding Officer (CO) – Colonel (Col) Miki Adusei Nkrumah, to deliver his welcome address, who said the commissioning symbolizes FPR’s commitment to growth and excellence in service delivery.
Speaking of the reason for the construction, he said his Regiment has experienced a significant increase in personnel over the last few years, without commensurate increase in supporting services, resulting in congested office spaces, thereby creating uncomfortable working environment.
He ascribed his mentorship to Brig Gen Abdulai (Rtd), whom he described as an astute leader who exemplified excellence, professionalism, meticulousness and espirit de corps, and was magnanimous to a fault, always ensuring the welfare and sound administration of his personnel.
Col MA Nkrumah assumed leadership of the FPR on 22 February 2024, and broke grounds for the construction of the now Enusah Abdulai Block (https://ghanapeacejournal.com.phoot.io.phoot.io/fpr-cuts-sod-for-2-more-office-blocks/) on 15 March 2024, with partners – Akani Logistics, Ramelco Limited, Sevores Construction Limited – promising to deliver the finished product between 6-8 months, and actually delivering in less than 7.
Present at the event included the Chief of Staff (CoS) at the General Headquarters, GAF – Major General (Maj Gen) Prince Osei-Owusu; Deputy CoS (DCoS), Medical – Maj Gen Raymond Ewusi; DCoS, Logistics – Rear Admiral Samuel Agyenim-Boateng; Commandant, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College – Maj Gen Matthew Essien; former Chief of the Air Staff – Air Vice Marshal Frank Hanson (Rtd); and Mr Michael Zormelo of OMNI Group of Companies.
Others were Senior Officers, Officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors, Soldiers, Defence Civilian Staff, amongst many.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
