Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has embarked on his maiden visit to 3 Garrison, calling at the 3 Infantry Battalion (3Bn), Armour Training School (ATS), and 154 Armoured Regiment (154 ARMD REGT) in Sunyani.
The purpose of the visit on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 was multifaceted, encompassing strategic engagement, operational assessment, morale-boosting interactions with troops as well as outlining his vision and mission to troops.
He also utilized the visit as an opportunity to engage in strategic discussions with various Commanders, focusing on long-term planning, resource allocation, and coordination mechanisms aimed at addressing emerging security challenges and optimizing operational capabilities within the 3 Garrison and beyond.
In a display of military precision and honour to welcome him, the Garrison orchestrated a magnificent Guard of Honour ceremony by personnel representing Units within the Garrison, as the COAS was greeted with the utmost reverence as he arrived at the Garrison, accompanied by Brigadier General Michael Opoku – General Officer Commanding, Central Command.
In a centralised briefing with Commanding Officers and appointment holders, the Garrison Commander and the Commanding Officer (CO), ATS – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Abdul Bashiru Issah, extensively briefed the COAS on the administrative structure, logistical capabilities, and welfare measures implemented within the unit.
The CO further presented a detailed overview of the administrative and logistical hurdles, and highlighted the need for Command’s support and resource optimization to overcome administrative bottlenecks in order to enhance operational efficiency.
The COs of 3Bn and 154 ARMD REGT – Lt Col Eric Tenadu and Lt Col Baffour Sarpong, respectively, both articulated pressing concerns faced by their units, particularly in the realm of equipment maintenance, and modernization efforts.
In a gesture of solidarity, Maj Gen BK Onwona convened a centralised durbar to provide an opportunity for open dialogue, allowing troops to express their concerns, during which he commended troops for their hard work, amidst various operational challenges and reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary support and resources.
Accompanied by a retinue of Senior Officers, the COAS toured some ongoing projects of the Units, and also called on the Bono Regional Minister – Mrs Justina Owusu-Banahene, to underline the importance of cohesion between military and civilian authorities.
Credit: GHANA ARMY PR
