Soldiers urged to remain friendly with civilians

Vice Admiral Mathew Quarshie, Chief of Defence Staff, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), on Friday advised the military to remain friendly with civilians.

He said it was the responsibility of the GAF to give the public the desired confidence and assurance that they were ready to defend and protect them (civilians) at all times.

Vice Admiral Quarshie gave the advice at the closing session of a four-day inter service shooting competition of the GAF, dubbed; “Exercise Fireblast 2013” at the Third Battalion Shooting Range at Yawhima, near Sunyani.

It was attended by Rear Admiral G.M. Biekro, Chief of Naval Staff, Major General Richard Opoku-Adusei, Chief of the Army Staff and Air Marshall Sampson Oje, Chief of Air Staff.

The Army was adjudged the overall best in the competition followed by the Air Force and the Navy.

They all received plaques and certificates while prizes were given to individual soldiers who distinguished themselves in the competition.

Vice Admiral Quarshie said it was only through the display of professional skills that the GAF could sustain public trust and confidence.

“The demands on the soldier today requires that he is efficient, versatile, and friendly as the security tasks that confront modern armies have become diverse and complex in nature,” he said.

Mastery over the personal weapon was imperative if the GAF was to avoid collateral damage or at worst reduce damages to the barest minimum, Vice Admiral Quarshie said.

“Our participation in external peace support operations also introduces another critical dimension to our quest for professionalism, high level of marksmanship and safe weapon handling,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

He said the GAF ought to train hard to help confront events in other parts of Africa and the sub-region as well as threats in the form of organised crimes and other multi-faceted security challenges.

He commended the participants for the good sportsmanship they exhibited during the competition which did not only make it interesting but brought to the fore the camaraderie and cohesion among the services.