'Government fully committed to welfare of Armed Forces' – President Akufo-Addo

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says Government is fully committed to the well-being and welfare of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking at the end-of-year Wassa of the Ghana Armed Forces, at Burma Camp, on Thursday, 21st March, 2019, President Akufo-Addo stated that “we will continue to stay true to the pledges we made in the 2016 manifesto that brought my party, the New Patriotic Party, and I, into office.”

Outlining some of the measures put in place to improve the welfare and well-being of the Ghana Armed Forces, the President stated that his Government, upon an assumption of office, increased the United Nations Peacekeeping Troops contribution allowances from $30 to $35 per soldier per day.

“We cleared the outstanding arrears of $13 million for all peacekeeping personnel, we are now paying your allowances at the place of operations, as you wish, we have also settled the 11.1% of arrears due to the civilian employees, and effected a 10% upward salary review for all personnel,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo indicated further that the completion of the 3rd Phase of the 37 Military Hospital is on course, and Government is also completing the 500-bed Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region, and will begin the third phase of this project soon.

“’Work is on-going on the barracks regeneration projects, with the four blocks of 16 flats each between 60 to 75% complete. Nearly a month ago, in fulfillment of an October 2018 pledge, I presented 50 ANKAI Buses, 40 Toyota Landcruiser Hardbody Vehicles, and 50 Toyota Hilux Pickups, which form part of the first tranche of 138 staff and operational vehicles of various categories, to the Armed Forces,” he added.

He continued, “During the year, we will provide the Army with 30 Otokar Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), and 6 fast patrol boats for the Navy. We are also making systematic efforts to protect our offshore hydrocarbon assets, now of great value, by establishing a Forward Operating Base at Enzulebu, in the Western Region, for their protection. Construction of the base will begin this year.”

With respect to the Air Force, The President stated that two of the M.I 17 helicopters were sent for overhauling and have returned to the jurisdiction, and funds have been released to extend the flying hours for the third helicopter.

“Similarly, when we took office, all three of the CASA C295 transport aircrafts had broken down. We have fixed one of them, and the remaining two have been sent out of the country for overhauling. One is due back in the country next month, and the other in October,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo reassured that Government will not relent in its efforts at transforming the Ghana Armed Forces into a formidable force, and will continue to help enhance the capacity and capabilities of the Armed Forces towards the development of our nation.