Sunyani(B/A), Jan. 9, GNA - The Third Battalion of Infantry of the Ghana Army in Sunyani at the weekend celebrated the annual West African Security Services Association (WASSA) event with a call on soldiers of the unit to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties. Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Komla Lithur, Commanding Officer, who mad= e the call in an address, warned that 93irresponsible attitudes would be met with severe disciplinary sanctions.

"I want to specially warn all ranks against the conduct of illegal a= nd unauthorized operations, since the consequences will be very bitter for suc= h individuals", he said. The commanding officer implored the officers to implement lessons and experiences learnt from their peacekeeping missions to enhance the image of the armed forces. Lt Col Lithur called for better collaboration and positive cooperation among the military, police and other sister security agencies to fight arme= d robbery in the country.

The commanding officer said the unit was closely monitoring the developing situation in Cote d' Ivoire with a special focus on the common border in Brong Ahafo and asked the soldiers to be on the alert and in readiness for any task. He affirmed the unit's unflinching and unquestionable loyalty to the state, saying: 93It's our responsibility to jealously guard the Constitu= tion to entrench the democratic path we have all chosen". Lt Col Lithur said the unit would carry out major training activities such as ex tiger's path, ex fireblast and ex starlight, among other activities, and urged the soldiers to train hard to keep the unit, command and the army at the top.

Mr Eric Opoku, Deputy Brong=96Ahafo Regional Minister, who was the gue= st of honour, lauded the cordial relationship between the regional coordinatin= g council and the security agencies in creating the congenial atmosphere for the people to go about their normal businesses.

He said the STX deal of the government was aimed at solving the acute accommodation problem in the country and gave the assurance that the unit would 93not be left out in the allocation of the facility". Major Edward Awaribey, Commanding Officer, 2IC, explained the rational= e for the celebration of the WASSA was originated by colonial masters as it provided an opportunity for them to fete soldiers after a hard day's work= .. The Alpha Company of the battalion was adjudged the overall best in a football and volley ball competition organised as part of the celebrations. They were presented with a trophy and a crate of soft drink. 9