Forces told to remain neutral during the election year

Accra, Jan. 23 GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday asked the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to demonstrate a high sense of neutrality and remain vigilant throughout the election year of 2004.

He said this would give them the moral authority to deal decisively but fairly with all potential threats to national security.

"Your vigilance, discipline and professional posture should guarantee our dear nation free and fair elections", he added.

President Kufuor made the call when speaking at the end of the year for General West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) of the GAF Headquarters in Accra.

He reminded the Forces of their core duty to protect the sovereignty of the Constitution, the State, people and property as the nation entered into another election year that normally posed many challenges.

President Kufuor expressed government's appreciation to the significant improvement in the co-operation and understanding between the civilian population and the GAF, adding, " this is indeed laudable and I will encourage you to maintain this cordial relationship".

He said although some of the conditions under which they operated were not the best, government would endeavour to do its part even within the limited economic constraints to make the military function more professionally.

President Kufuor said the development projects being undertaken in the military barracks showed government's commitment to upgrading and enhancing military facilities throughout the country.

He said the military deserved the best to enable them give of their best to the nation and commended the Forces for the tremendous improvement in their overall performance on all fronts.

"This performance guaranteed the nation stability which created a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development last year", he said.

Brigadier-General Samuel A. Odotei, Chief of Staff of the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in a welcoming address, pledged total support, loyalty and commitment by the Forces to provide congenial atmosphere for the government to perform its duty in absolute peace and tranquillity.

He said President Kufour's acceptance to attend the WASSA both for last year and this year, indicated his appreciation of the efforts by the Forces to promote national development.

Present were Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, the Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Seth Obeng, Chief of Defence Staff, Nana Stephen Owusu-Nsiah, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other Service Commanders.