Sunyani, Aug 3, GNA -, Dr Tony Aidoo, Deputy Minister of Defence, has denied private media reports that the government pays only half of the amount approved by UN as personal allowance for Ghanaian soldiers on peacekeeping mission in the Middle East.
He explained that the 32 dollars paid by the world body covered the cost of training, clothing and equipping the troops in their preparations for the mission. The government, he explained further, therefore retains only half of the amount to enable it to resource the army to enhance its capacity to sustain the peace keeping obligation.
Dr Aidoo was speaking at a durbar held in his honour at the Liberation barracks on Monday when he paid a one-day working visit to three garrisons in Sunyani.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their sacrifices and professionalism, which have not only ensured internal security, but has also enhanced the image of the country through peace keeping activities abroad.
Dr Aidoo condemned "the politics of attrition" being pursued by a section of the media and assured the soldiers that the government is doing everything possible to cater for their needs.
He said though they are not included in the Price Water House salary adjustments due to the constitutional provision regarding their remuneration, the necessary adjustment in their salaries would be made, based on their conditions of service.
He said steps are also being taken to solve the health, electricity, accommodation, and equipment needs of the Armed Forces to enhance their combat readiness.
During an open forum, the soldiers drew the attention of the Minister to the poor state of infrastructure at the barracks and called for immediate steps to rectify the situation.
