Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister has lauded the high sense of patriotism and professionalism exhibited by the personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in the country.

    She observed that the level of professionalism by the GAF had gone a long way to give the nation a reputable image and resilience globally, thereby enhancing Ghana's relationship with neighbouring countries and the international community.

    Mad Owusu-Banahene gave the commendation when she joined Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of the Army Staff to commission young soldiers’ accommodation complex at the 154 Armoured Regiment at liberation barracks in Sunyani, constructed by the Military High Command.

    They were accompanied by Air vice Marshal Frank Hanson, the Chief of Air Staff and some senior officers of the GAF.

     Mad Owusu-Banahene said the sterling contributions of the GAF ought to be acknowledged and well appreciated, saying the nation truly recognised the selfless commitment and dedication of the GAF towards safeguarding and strengthening national security through its internal operations as well as participating in external missions.

    The Regional Minister said he appreciated the cordial relationship that had existed between the Bono Regional Coordinating Council (BRCC) and the Military High Command that had culminated into favourable areas of cooperation between the two institutions.

    Mad Owusu-Banahene said the support from the 3BN had greatly help in the fight against illegal mining and unscrupulous activities of nomadic Fulani Herdsmen who used their cattle to destroy people's farms as well as containment of other security matters in the region.

    "As a beacon of peace and security, the BRCC recognises you as true partners in the development of our nation and I urge you to continue to remain professional in your conduct and in the discharge of your duties", she added.

    On his part, the Vice Admiral Amoama applauded the continuous and selfless commitment of the Chief of Army Staff which had yielded several projects in all garrisons across the country.

    "This indeed is commendable and it underscores the drive of the military high command to take steps to improve the lots of soldiers of the command.

   "Ultimately, the ability of the military to efficiently undertake its continuous mandate hinges on its personnel being well motivated", Vice Admiral Amoama indicated, saying decent housing infrastructure forms a critical aspect of logistical support which ensure the motivation of officers, men and women to perform efficiently.

    The CDS said the government had also embarked on a drive to address the infrastructure and logistical challenges confronting the GAF, saying that under military housing project phases one and two, about 1,200 units of accommodation were being constructed in all garrisons across the country.

    Vice Admiral Amoama said 104 units of two-bedroom apartments would be constructed at the 3BN, saying out of that number the 154-armour regiment and armour training school was expected to benefit from 28 units.

    He indicated that the General Headquarters under his command was also working hard to complete the SSNIT housing project which had been stalled over a long period, saying so far structure at the Burma Camp and Volta barracks in Ho had been completed and allocated to personnel.

   Vice Admiral Amoama said construction work on the project at the Wa Southern Command was about 99 percent complete, saying these and other ongoing projects would greatly help address the accommodation problems confronting the GAF.

Source…...www.sompaonline.com/Dennis Peprah