Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Ghana Armed Forces – Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has given Fifty Thousand Cedis (GHS 50,000) as seed-money for the construction of an Official Residence – dubbed EAGLE NEST – for the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command (N/COMD).
The GOC, N/COMD – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, made the announcement of the COAS’ donation for the residence, during the formal ground-breaking ceremony for the accommodation within the Headquarters of the Command at Nyohini, in Tamale.
Brig Gen FN Tei, in cutting the sod, extended gratitude to his predecessor – Maj Gen Mathew Kweku Essien for mobilising the initial resources, and to all of the Army’s development partners, for their unwavering support and contributions, for the project.
He referred to the GOC’s official residence as a befitting accommodation that would not only serve as official residence of the GOC, but also a physical expression of the contributions made by all and sundry towards lifting the image of the N/COMD, and honouring all past GOCs for their sacrifices in operating outside an official residence.
The GOC continued that the EAGLE NEST would offer GOCs a space of convenience and security from which they can lead with strength and vision, serve as a source of motivation for Officers to aspire to higher heights in the Service, and a physical structure that development partners can point at, as they seek to trace their contribution towards building the N/COMD for peace in Ghana’s Northern Frontiers.
He further called for the support of individuals, groups and corporate entities, to help build the project together with the military, perceiving the project as a bold step together, towards a place that would serve as a cornerstone of leadership and excellence for years to come, and would be a reference object to collective contributions towards ensuring peace in Northern Ghana.
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
