US Military Commander advices soilders

Mafi-Anfoe (V/R), Aug 7, GNA- General William Ward, Deputy Commander, United States European Command has observed that a soldier in uniform should personify sincerity and helpfulness among his people. He said besides their regular mission, they should engage in other things to help their fellow citizens.

General Ward was interacting with soldiers from the 66 Artillery Regiment working on a community library complex at Mafi-Anfoe, in the North-Tongu District on Tuesday.


Major Mathews M. Battison, Military Attache at the US Embassy in Ghana initiated the library and would be fully furnished and stocked with books and computers when completed.


The project is estimated to cost GH40,000 or 400,000, 000 million cedis.


The library complex and street lighting projects are among ventures the US European Command is helping the Mafi-Anfoe, a predominantly farming community to undertake.


General Ward who is visiting Ghana with his wife said he was absolutely delighted about the contribution of his men to the development of the people in the area.


He said the US cherished contributing to the stability and security of Ghana and Africa, saying the Millennium Challenge Account and other facilities being handled by USAID were to quicken development in Ghana. Major Battison, who was honoured as Development Chief of the community under the stool name Togbe Dunenyo, said his association with the community started with a casual acquaintance with a native of the area sometime last year.

He said the projects, partly supported partly by friends, were progressing steadily because of the communal spirit of the people. Miss Mary Yates, former US Ambassador to Ghana lauded the US/Ghana collaboration.


Mr Joe Gidisu, Member of Parliament for the area said the support by the US to build the library was an important contribution to raising educational performance in the area.


Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister asked the people to appreciate US efforts by helping to complete the projects early. He promised that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) would collaborate with all stakeholders on the projects for their successful completion.


Lieutenant Elvis Asamoah, of the 66th Artillery Regiment told journalists that apart from the library project, troops from the regiment had helped build school blocks at Sokode in the Ho District and Agbozume in the Ketu District.


He said the help were in accordance with the Regiment's corporate policy of building bridges of cooperation between the military and civil society.