Nigerian Army Commandant calls on Addo-Kufuor

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence on Friday called for the setting up of a unified training school for the armed forces of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

"This could lead to friendship and become the nucleus for the establishment of the African High Command."

Dr Addo-Kufuor said this when Air Vice Marshal, A. O. Ogundana, Commandant of the Jija Command and Staff College in Nigeria led students of the college, who are on tour to selected West African countries called on him.

Real Admiral John Gbena, Acting Chief of Defence Staff was present.

The 46-man team has already visited Cote d Ivoire.

Dr Addo-Kufuor commended the military co-operation between the two countries adding, "the experiment of ECOMOG is historic and has been a source of pride to both countries".

He stressed the need for an expansion in the scope of co-operation, especially, at the service to service levels to their mutual benefit.

Since most Nigerian military officers passed through the Ghana Staff College the symbol of unity may not be far fetched, he observed.

Real Admiral Gbena said military relations between the two countries dates back to the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force and hoped this will continue.

Air Vice-Marshal Ogundana expressed satisfaction that the governments of the two countries are working to bring their armies together and said that Ghana is very important to Nigeria.

He said Nigeria is grateful for all the assistance it had received from the Ghana military over the years.