Kofi Ampeah Woode
Command and Stewardship at the helm of Ghana Army’s (GA) 48 Engineer Regiment (48 Engr Regt) has changed hands with Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Michael Kwame Afreh Mfum, handing over successfully to his Second-In-Command (2IC) and once Commander Rear – Lt Col Alex Twumasi, after the former had served in the Commanding Officer (CO) capacity for nearly thirty-six months.
The two ‘Sappers’ had their handing/taking over parade at the Regiment’s Square, Wajir Barracks, Teshie Ridge, on Friday 10 February, 2023, with Major General (Maj Gen) Carl Setorwu Modey (Rtd) as the Guest-of-Honour, supported by the Joint Task Force Commander, Operation Enhanced Koudanlgou – Maj Gen Michael Amoah-Ayisi.
The Guest-of-Honour, in a presentation said, under Lt Col Mfum’s leadership, the Regiment has been recognized by Higher Headquarters for everything from their forward-thinking, innovative concept, top-notch troop preparation and active family and Unit support.
He said Lt Col Mfum was able to build a Unit that does what is right for the right reasons, responds to Ghana’s needs, adjusts to change on its own with eyes on the future; even as it focuses on the mission at hand, and hence, it is apparent that he has contributed vastly, not only to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), but also to the nation at large.
Lt Col Mfum – who moves to the GAF Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) as Directing Staff – assumed command of the Sappers fraternity in March 2020, and is credited with being able to solve the long existing lack of portable water at the Wajir Barracks (of course with the backing of the Army Headquarters), and successfully rewiring the barracks, with the support of the Directorate of Engineer Services.
The Regiment’s response to flood disasters have been remarkable and swift, bringing relief to thousands of people over the period, as its timely intervention during the Akyim Batabi Church collapse in April 2020, ensured the rescue of over 25 locals who were trapped in debris after the collapse of the building.
The Regiment, under the outgone CO, through Ghana Government’s social intervention programs, successfully constructed and opened up roads in deprived communities in various parts of the country, and helped to improve the social status and living conditions of the local population.
Col Mfum cited his successor as a highly professional and capable commander and leader, driven by his sense of purpose, passion for work, and has the right heart for the Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff of the Sappers, whose motto is “One Step Ahead”
Dignitaries present included Serving and Retired Generals, Senior Officers, Officers, German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group, Regimental Sergeant Majors, Soldiers, Soldiers Defence Civilian Staff and Families.
