Election 2016: Allay fears of Ghanaians - Veep

Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has charged the military to collaborate with the other security agencies to assuage the anxiety of the public over the November General Election.

He stated that in an election year many minor issues were usually magnified out of proportion by politicians and the media to create the apprehension among the people.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the call when he attended the 2015 West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) durbar at Burma Camp.

WASSA is an annual ceremony observed by all units of the Ghana Armed Forces to promote socialisation among military personnel, and to serve as an opportunity to take stock of the working year, to strategise for the coming year.

Beside from being an event to have fun, it is also an avenue for renewing camaraderie among officers, other ranks and the civilian employees of the military.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur said so early in the year, the country had witnessed a high profile attack on a Member of Parliament, as well as the horrific accident that occurred on the Kintampo Road, this week.

He said in such situations, the military were always there to support the civilian authorities to provide safety and relief to the people.

He cited the June 3, 2015 flood-fire incident at Nkrumah Circle, in which the military were at hand to protect the citizens from the ravages of the water and fire.

That tragedy claimed more than 150 lives and destroyed property valued at millions of Ghana cedis.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur commended the Ghana Armed Forces, especially the Airforce, for helping to airlift injured persons from Kintampo to Sunyani and other specialist hospitals for treatment.

He urged the Military High Command to integrate their forces with that of the Police to enhance the security situation in the country.

He urged the military to continue to support the public.

He said this year being an election, one the country needed all the support it could mobilise to help Ghana retain its stability and peaceful nature.

Air Vice Marshal Michael Samson-Oje, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), assured of the military’s resolve to work professionally to enhance the peace and security in the country.

He said the military would continue to provide support for the public in national emergencies and crisis.

Awards were presented to two civilian employees and two military officials who excelled at their various fields of endeovour.