Germany donates medical equipment to Ghana Armed Forces

Accra (Greater Accra) 27 May '99

Mr Christian Nakonz, German Ambassador in Ghana, on Wednesday presented 28 tons of medical equipment and supplies to the Ghana Armed Forces for use at the 37 military hospital.

The equipment, which also consisted of unused field equipment, included surgical instruments, theatre tables, hospital beds, stretchers and blankets.

The rest are x-ray and dental equipment, ECG, audiographs, laboratory equipment, drugs and disinfectants.

Mr Nakonz said the equipment is no longer needed in the German Army because "the country has changed its defence posture." Germany appreciates the role of the Ghana Armed Forces in nation building as well as within the medical services of the country, he said.

"This means that helping the military is helping the civilian population at the same time."

Mr Nakonz said Ghana's role in peacekeeping in the world would eventually get the attention of political decision makers in Germany.

He said German doctors have been assisting their Ghanaian counterparts at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Cardiothoracic unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

A number of paramedical personnel and doctors are also engaged in various church organisations and NGOs, he said.

Dr Tony Aidoo, deputy minister of defence, who received the equipment from Commander Jan Wiedemann, German Defence Attache, said "this wonderful gift is only part of the memorandum of understanding and collaboration between the Ghana Armed Forces and the German Armed Forces."