Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, the Out- going Minister of Defence, on Thursday in Accra handed over his portfolio to Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah, the Incoming Minister of Defence saying that he hoped the military would continue to maintain its enviable international reputation.

He said the Ghana Military establishment was one of the few state institutions, which was in a better shape now than at the time of independence and would become a serious development partner of government.

In a sober mood and bidding the soldiers farewell, Dr Addo-Kufuor said the military would help inculcate the virtues of discipline, respect for legitimate authority, punctuality, and cleanliness in the youth of the country through the cadet corps in the various educational institutions.

He said he was of the hope that the military would respect the constitution at all times and actively support and protect it. Dr. Addo-Kufuor who is vying for the New Patriotic Party (NPP's) presidential candidacy asked his successor Mr. Kan Dapaah to meet the challenges ahead and wished him "the very best during his tenure of office."

He said at the international level, Dafur, Somalia, the security implications of Ghana's leadership in the African Union and the continuing debate on the setting up of "Africom" would engage his attention. Dr Addo-Kufuor told his successor: "I have no doubt, these challenges will be overcome with the characteristics of hard work and resourcefulness for which you are known".

He expressed his profound gratitude to all who during his tenure of office offered him their support.