GHANA ARMY HOLDS END-OF-2024 RELIGIOUS PARADE

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Ghana Army – Lietenant General (Lt Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has called on his troops to acknowledge that faith plays a crucial role in their service as military personnel, providing strength to face challenges, and availing to the soldier courage to overcome obstacles.

Lt Gen BK Onwona made the call when he addressed troops at Ghana Army’s End-of-2024 Religious Parade at the Arakan Methodist Prebyterian Church (AMPC), Burma Camp, on Friday 10 January 2025, which was under the theme, “Guided by His Hand: Acknowledging God’s Faithfulness”.

“Our faith in God’s guidance helps us to remain steadfast in our duties and commitment to our mission”, General Onwona said, adding that God provided the Army with the wisdom and strength to navigate each situation encountered in operations and administration.

He asserted that God’s faithfulness is the cornerstone of human lives, being a reminder that, regardless of any circumstance, He remains steadfast and true, as written in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”.

He continued to say that as the Army takes stock, it is bound to see numerous evidence of God’s hand operational in individual lives, the Ghana Army, and the nation Ghana, from the prosecution of several peacekeeping missions by various Ghanaian Battalions, to the internal operations GAF continues to conduct through the length and breadth of the country.

Charging the troops to remain vigilant in their duties, being compassionate in their interactions, and unwavering in their commitment to serving fellow soldiers and the nation, he urged them to also remember the importance of unity and service; and that as members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), their call is to serve their nation with honor and integrity.

“By acknowledging God’s faithfulness and allowing His guidance to shape our actions, we will be empowered to fulfill our duties with excellence and compassion”, the COAS said as he furthered that 2024 has also taught the Army valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the importance of staying true to its values.

After exhortation and prayer by Imam Major Shamsudeen Salifu, the Director, Army Religious Affairs – Reverend Colonel (Col) Peter Nyarko Duodu, said in his sermon that it is essential for soldiers to recognise and acknowledge the blessings, protection and strength God continues to provide them, and thus glorify and worship God together, as they reflect on His grace and mercies through the past year.

Present at the Service included the Chief Staff Officer, Army Headquarters (AHQ) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Atogebakoga Alobawone; Director General, Plans Research & Development, GAF – Brig Gen Charles Adu-Brempong; General Officer Commanding, Southern Command – Brig Gen Samuel Yeboah Asare; Commander, Army Training Command – Brig Gen Stephen Woseadzikpo Parbey; Commander, 15 Armoured Brigade – Brig Gen Ben Gah;

Others were Pricipal Staff Officers of AHQ, Rev Commander Quayson, Rev Thomas Addo of AMPC, Unit Commanders, Officers, Sergeant Major of the Army – Master Sergeant Major Ansah Yeboah Isaac, Soldiers; Defence Civilian Staff, and National Service Personnel, with music provided by the Armed Forces Central Band, and the Militant Triumphant Choir.

By Kofi Ampeah-Woode