Kofi Ampeah Woode
Ghana Army’s Northern Command (N/COMD) has held an Induction Religious Service as a spiritual ceremony for the initiation of its General Officer Commanding (GOC) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, into the spiritual fraternity of the Command.
The religious service was held at the Air Force Base (AFB), Tamale, on Sunday 16 June 2024, under the theme “I will be with you”, with the tacit presence of the Commander of 6 Garrison, and the Base Commander, AFB, Tamale – Air Commodore (A/Cdre) Joshua Mensah-Larkai.
Delivering his speech after the induction, the new GOC – who took over Command of N/COMD on 26 March 2024 – expressed confidence that God’s presence is with the Command in its quest for peace, thus eliminating all fear and discouragement.
He described the induction service as a spiritual ceremony which is a necessary step required to draw the Command closer to God’s continuous blessings, guidance and presence, as a source of strength, particularly in times of difficulty and fear, and that the theme illustrates God’s immanence, indicating that He is not distant, but actively involved in the lives of men.
On the security situation within the northern part of Ghana, Brig Gen Tei said it is on record that it really takes a toll on Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel, however, their bravery, professionalism, and steadfast dedication to the peace of the country, have stood tall against all odds.
The GOC cited recent past incidences such as clashes at Karaga, Nyankpala, Bawku and its environs, and the professional manner in which troops of the Command responded to the complex nature of the clashes, as well as the ongoing operations to flush out illegal miners along the Black Volta, and said they were worthy of high commendation.
He therefore, encouraged his troops to continue to work hard to support the Civil Authorities and other stakeholders, particularly sister Security Services, to create a conducive environment for all to live in, as Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections in December.
General Tei reminded his troops to keep their eyes on the gradual rise in terrorist activities in neighbouring countries, activities of extremists which pose a serious threat to peace and security of Ghana, urging the citizenry of Ghana, to do everything possible to prevent such groups from operating within Ghana’s territory, through vigilance and absolute patriotism.
He assured his troops of Ghana’s Military High Command working earnestly to address the manpower and logistics constraints, hence entreated them to continue to exercise patience in the face of challenges.
Quoting Psalms 20:7-8 (KJV) “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright”, he announced the institution in the Command of a Quarterly Religious Parade in the Barracks, to continue to remember to ask God to lead, guide and protect, in all endeavours.
“I am deeply aware of the weight of the responsibility and trust placed in me by High Command and all stakeholders. I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, and a steadfast commitment to our mission. Let us continue to serve with honour, to protect with valour, and to uphold the legacy of our predecessors with tenacity that defines us”, he concluded.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Omanhene of Akwamu Traditional Area – Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III; the Acting Director-General, Department of Religious Affairs – Colonel (Col) Dr Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode; Senior Officers, Chiefs, the Clergy, Unit Commanders, Senior Officers, Command and Regimental Sergeant Majors, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff of 6 Garrison.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
