Apremdo(W/R), Jan. 01, GNA - Personnel of the Second Battalion of Infantry Brigade of the Ghana Armed Forces have been reminded to remain loyal to the state and maintain high standard of discipline and devotion to duty as their contribution to national development.
Major Albert Dawohoso, Acting Commander of the Brigade said the Armed Forces hierarchy would continue to provide the necessary support and direction for the personnel to accomplish identified tasks to promote the well-being of the people.
He made the call when addressing this years' West Africa Soldiers Socialising Activity (WASSA) organised for Officers, men and civilian employees of the brigade at the Myohaung Barracks, Apremdo at the weekend.
WASSA is an annual social function organised for security personnel to feast and make merry with their families, friends and loved ones. Major Dawohoso said this year's celebration would be used to review operations of the Unit to improve upon its performance and protect its image.
He noted that maintenance of internal security was one of the major challenges that was successfully executed with the collaboration of other members of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in 2006.
Major Dawohoso said last year, personnel from the brigade participated in many operations to check cocoa smuggling, illegal mining and activities of illegal chainsaw operators.
"Our collaboration with the Police and other security agencies as well as support from the Western Regional Coordinating Council enabled us to dominate our areas of responsibility, bringing the various disputes in the region under control and close monitoring," he said.
He noted that even though there were some failures in the operations by some personnel, their overall output during the year under review was satisfactory.
Major Dawohoso appealed for support to rehabilitate some of the wards at the Unit's hospital and also provide modern equipment to enhance health care delivery.
Lieutenant Colonel K. Disu (Rtd), the Guest of Honour commended the personnel for their devotion to duty and hard work to check incidents of criminal activities and conflicts in the region.
Deserving soldiers and their wives, the Magajia of the barracks, as well as civilian employees were presented with awards. Earlier a parade mounted by selected wives of the soldiers under the command of Private Agnes Appiah entertained the large crowd with drills and marching.
Lt-Col. Disu who took the salute commended them for their smart turnout.
Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwesi Blay, Deputy Western Regional Minister and Mr David Yaro, Western Regional Coordinating Director were among dignitaries who attended the function.