Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Army Course 1/2004 marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a get-together that united Intake personnel, families, enlistment instructors, and esteemed guests, to commemorate two decades of exceptional service and camaraderie within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The event which was held at the Defence Mechanical Transport Amenity Centre, Burma Camp, on Saturday, 13 January 2024, was also aimed at providing the Intake, the opportunity to network and share experiences in various fields of exploit.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Honouring 20 years of Dedicated Service’, Deputy Chief Staff Officer (Administration) at the Army Headquarters – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Emmanuel Acheampong Baidoo, who represented Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) – Major General (Maj Gen) Thomas Oppong-Peprah, expressed gratitude and acknowledged the Intake for their dedication and sacrifices, highlighting the commitment to serving the nation.
He emphasized the importance of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) and Warrant Officers (WO) in guiding Soldiers with dedication, stressing the need for them to take on new challenges.
He urged personnel of Course 1/2004, to apply their experiences and uphold the principles of GAF, adding that the COAS has donated Three Thousand Cedis (GH₵3,000) to support the Intake’s Welfare Association.
The Assistant Commandant, Research & Development, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) – Colonel (Col) Emmanuel Opare Nyante, who was the Officer Commanding (OC) Charlie Company, during the Basic Military Training of Course 1/2004, praised the Intake for their growth and achievements in their two decades of service, congratulating them on their key appointments in GAF.
He enunciated pride in being associated with Army Course 1-2004, underlining the Intakes’ hard work and perseverance in their 20-year journey.
The Former Drill/Recruit Sergeant Major, Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) – Ex WOI Habada Godwin, shared his experience which he dubbed: ‘Life after the Army’, where he advised personnel to plan for a better life after leaving Service, emphasizing the importance of remembering their object of worship, and urging all to socialize and join the Veterans Association Ghana (VAG).
Awards were presented to Army Course 1/2004 Welfare personnel, who distinguished themselves through the establishment of the Welfare Association (Club 04).
Former Army Sergeant Major (ASM) – Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Salifu; former Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM); Base Ordnance Depot (BOD) – Senior Warrant Officer Class Two (SWOII) Opuni Thomas; and son of late Brig Gen T Ba-Taa-Banah – Mr Fritz Ba-Taa-Banah; attended the event, and the latter was presented a citation in honour of his late father.
Earlier on, the Welfare Association presented medical items to the JAMES COLE WARD of the 37 Military Hospital on Friday, 12 January 2024, at the forecourt of the Hospital’s Headquarters.
The package which was valued at GH₵10,000, consisted of 2 surgical beds, 2 wheelchairs, 2 fusion stands, 10 packs of toilet rolls, one box of disposable gloves, and one gallon of methylated spirit, and also donated various food items worth GH₵2,500, to the Teshie Children’s Home, aiming to improve their lives and provide support to those in need.
Chairman of the Association – WO1 Awimbila Nyaaba Daniel, presenting the items to the Hospital Command, stated that the donation was made for their 20th anniversary, and that the items were meant for James Cole Ward, and Warrant Officers Ward, where most personnel are admitted for medical care.
The Commanding Officer (CO), Critical Care Unit of the Hospital – Col Thomas Aquinas Gbireh, received the items on behalf of the Command, and thanked them for the munificence, assuring of the proper use and maintenance of the items, and thus encouraged the Intake to share their success for others to emulate.
The Welfare Association is made up of 156 members out of 276 Intake strength at present.
Credit: Intake PR
