Ghana and South Africa to strengthen defence cooperation

Accra, June 13, GNA - Defence Minister General Joseph Henry Smith has stated that plans are far advanced for the ministry to set up a Defence Attach=E9's office in South Africa.

He noted that there was so much Ghana could learn from South Africa in terms of experience and sharing of ideas and called on South Africa to revive the student exchange programme which the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) used to benefit from.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Directorate of GAF said General Smith made the remarks when the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs. Ntobidzwa Msutukazi Lallie, called on him. It said Gen Smith also sought the assistance of South Africa in the supply of medical equipment, training of medical corps and equipping the various engineering units within the armed forces.

"The Ministry is also making moves to establish small scale defence industry to start sowing uniforms and manufacturing boots for military personnel and we need cooperation in that field as well," He was quoted as saying.

Mrs. Lallie appealed to the minister to help in training soldiers of the South African Army in tactical and jungle warfare training. It said she promised to further strengthen existing cooperation between the two countries which dates back to the early days of Ghana's independence where Ghana supported South Africa during her struggle to end apartheid.