Kofi Ampeah Woode
A Religious Induction Service has been held to formally solemnize the induction into office of the Commanding Officer (CO) of Ghana Army’s 5 Infantry Battalion (5Bn) – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Kwame Owusu-Afriyie, as the 36th CO in charge of the affairs the “Lions” (as 5Bn is affectionately referred to).
The Induction Service took place at the Arakan Methodist Presbyterian Church (AMPC), Arakan Barracks, Burma Camp, on Sunday 14 January, 2024, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Southern Command (S/COMD) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Samuel Yeboah Asare, as the Guest of Honour.
In a speech delivered to the congregation, Brig Gen Asare said as people of spiritual faith in the Supreme Being, it is of essence to have a formal solemn service, where the CO is inducted into office, with the Unit’s Colours consecrated to the glory of God.
Of Lt Col K Owusu-Afriyie, General Asare commended him for showing a desire to build upon the successes of his predecessors, since assumption of office, which he said is manifested in his continuation of self-help projects which were handed over to him, prioritizing of Troops’ welfare, and the initiation of new projects.
To the Troops of 5Bn, the GOC charged them to mindful of their security responsibilities by closing their ranks, being vigilant and responsive to call to duty at all times, particularly as the political temperature of Ghana’s electioneering is expected to rise immensely, in 2024 – a year in which Ghana holds its General Elections.
He called upon them to let all their efforts in 2024, be directed at ensuring that the peace, security and tranquillity of the entire Ghana is preserved at all times, even though the battalion has a task of ensuring the serenity of the Greater Accra and Central Regions, on its operational front.
In his remarks and at his turn, the CO said, in terms of operations, all Unit Operational Duties are being performed, and that the Unit will continue to play its role of supporting the civil authorities, in maintaining Law and Order, before, during and after Ghana’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Lt Col Owusu-Afriyie, who assumed command of 5Bn on Thursday, November 9, 2023, expressed gratitude to all past COs of 5Bn, for the continual availability of their wisdom, knowledge and experience, for him to tap into, to deliver the required quality of leadership to the LION fraternity.
Present at the service included the immediate-past CO, 5Bn – Colonel Eric Prince Tandoh; CO, 2 Infantry Battalion – Lt Col Daniel Atobrah Bondah; CO 153 Armoured Regiment – Lt Col David Korsah; other Senior Officers, Officers, 5Bn’s Regimental Sergeant Major – Senior Warrant Officer Kamaldin, Soldiers, families and friends.
