Volra Barracks celebrates anniversary

Ho, Apr. 11, GNA -The 66 Artillery Regiment (Volta Barracks), on Monday started a week-long celebration to commemorate the establishment of the Regiment 39 years ago with a sensitisation route march on HIV/AIDS through the principal street of Ho.

During the three-hour march, the military personnel distributed education leaflets on the disease.

Some of the placards they carried read, "

Be Combat Ready, Use Condom," " Keep Only One Sex Partner" and " We need VCT centres," among others.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Akofur, Commanding Officer of the Regiment told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the Regiment would use the anniversary to do some stocktaking and also plan how to improve on services rendered to the society.

He said times when soldiers assaulted civilians were over and that as a Unit, the Regiment was ready to work with the society in ensuring security and peaceful atmosphere for effective socio-economic development.

Major Dominic-Dieu Donne Gbedawo, Second In Command (2IC) said the decision of the Regiment to join the civil society in the fight against HIV/AIDS was because the menace had become a threat to the individual, family and the society adding that, "we must be alive to defend mother Ghana".

Lieutenant Ebenezer Laryea Odumang, said the disease was spreading so fast that it called for a concerted effort by all to fight it.

"The reality is that people are living recklessly on the cutting edge of danger and if nothing is done, AIDS will be part of all our tomorrows," he stated.

Meanwhile, 30 military personnel have been scheduled to donate blood tomorrow at the Volta Regional Hospital as part of the "positively packed activities for the celebration".