Familiarization Visit To Military Installations: Joseph Nelson engages 2BN battalion

Familiarization Visit To Military Installations: Joseph Nelson engages 2BN battalion

The Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson, has engaged 2nd infantry battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Takoradi.

The engagement, formed part of familiarization tour being carried out by the Minister to acclimatise with the working environment of the army, their operations and challenges.

Lt. Col ENN OSAE, 34th

Commanding Officer, 2nd Infantry battalion, led the briefings on activities and operations of the command.

First, he said the unit was established in Gold Coast as the Gold Coast Regiment

In August, 1901.

He also explained the core mandate of the unit to the Minister as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

He subsequently explained the operational tactics of the unit, ongoing projects being carried out to improve performance and eventually listed challenges currently facing the unit.

2BN, he underscored is responsible for internal operations in the country with an increasing role attached to Western Region and Western North Region.

The unit, according to the commander, is divided into four sectors to enhance their operational measures being deployed.

Ongoing projects

The unit, he underscored currently has a Multi purpose building project for an archived room.

The unit, also has an ongoing accommodation project being supported through a Chinese grant

He said the accommodation involves a 28 two bedroom facility located at abattoir.

Aside that, he mentioned the construction of an event centre to house a number of functional departments including a gymnastics centre.

Challenges

In terms of challenges, the commander mentioned poor state of barracks roads, dysfunctional sewerage lines in the barracks, and encroachment on unit lands.

To the extent that the training range of the unit, he emphasised has been encroached.

Inadequate vehicles to respond to emergencies he said also forms part of the challenges.

Inadequate water supply from Ghana water company, amongst others.

Responding to the briefings the Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson said he was indeed appreciative of the presentation carried out by the commander.

He assured the unit of his commitment to work closely with them in addressing many of the challenges outlined.

As usual, the Minister did not mince words in reminding the unit about his commitment to fight against illegal mining.

He advised the unit to select officers who would do away with love for money, and apply discipline to themselves during the next wave of operations to deal with illegal mining activities in the region.