Accra, Sept. 3, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday commissioned 87 Officers into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), with a call on GAF to adhere to its sacred duty of protecting the nation's constitution, sovereignty and national territorial integrity.
He advised against partisanship in the military, reiterating that military colours did not represent any political, religious, ethnic or sectarian interest, than to protect interest of the State.
"The Ghana Armed Forces has an image that flies high and it would be your sacred duty as officers to continue to fly high the flag of our esteemed Armed Forces," President Mills said.
He was reviewing a colourful Golden Jubilee Graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy and Training School (MATS) at Teshie in Accra.
The parade, which featured the Regular Career Course 50 and Short Service Commission/Special Duty Course 49 had two foreign officers, and climaxed the 50th anniversary celebration of the Academy.
In attendance were; Former President Jerry John Rawlings, and Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and General Yakubu Gowon, Former Head of State of Nigeria, all trained at MATS.
President Mills, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of GAF, reminded the graduates that their commissioning made them part of a privileged group who had defended the colours.
He said it was therefore their duty to work hard to bring glory and honour to Ghana, GAF and themselves.
Consequently, a lot would be expected of them and they had no option but to meet and to improve the high standards that had been set.
"You would soon be commanding platoons and your ability to inspire, to lead and to give renewed confidence to the men under your command would make the difference between you and your men.
"Even though you are in regimented profession and must command, you would be better commanders when you care about the welfare of the men under your command," President Mills said.
President Mills announced that Government would soon expand and strengthen the Navy and Air Force to prepare the nation better for the protection of Ghana's oil and marine resources and also make Ghana an unfriendly destination for the drug trade.
He assured the Forces on the need for increased collaboration with sister African countries in the training needs of GAF.
President Mills commended the officers, who had given excellent services to the establishment, extolling their hardwork, which had nurtured the young officers into the Forces.
He later inaugurated a 16-room two storey building at MATS and commended the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant-General J.H. Smith, Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Peter Blay and the Military High Command for funding the project.
Senior Warrant Officer Stephen Nimako was commended for distinguished 29 years service to MATS.
Prizes were given to distinguished officers and the best award to Senior Under Officer Raymond Owusu-Ababio.
