Veep commends Ghana Army for excelling in peacekeeping operations

Accra, Jan. 19, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday expressed Government's satisfaction with efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in international peace support operations, which he said had earned Ghana a very positive image.

"Here in Ghana, we are all witnesses to your cooperation with the Police Service in undertaking daily joint anti-armed robbery operations, especially at night in order to keep our citizenry safe," he affirmed. Vice President Mahama, who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, was speaking in Accra during the annual reception of the Army at Burma Camp, dubbed, West African Security Services Association (WASSA).

It was attended by the Minister of Defence, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Mr Francis Poku, Minister in charge of National Security, Mr Kan Dapaah, Minister of Interior, members of the Military High Command, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Patrick Acheampong and heads of other security agencies, who danced to highlife music.

He said he had noticed with satisfaction the significant improvement in cooperation and understanding between the civilian population and the GAF.

"This is, indeed laudable, but as you will all admit, there is more room for improvement and I urge you to consciously work at it," he said. Vice President Mahama said there was improvement in the overall performance of the GAF in all fronts last year.

He said the sterling performance guaranteed a stable national environment, which created a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development.

Brigadier General Bob Winful, of the General Headquarters said 2006 was very challenging in terms of resource management and referred particularly to inadequate logistics and funds. He, however, commended President John Agyekum Kufuor for helping to alleviate the problem.

Awards were given to deserving uniformed and civilian employees of the Camp.