Accra, June 21, GNA - Major General P.A. Blay, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has stated that government is putting in efforts to provide the necessary equipment to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to enable it to perform its traditional role of protecting the territorial integrity of the State.

He said government was also aware of the challenges faced by the GAF in its internal and external operations and would do everything possible to provide the logistics required to enable the personnel to work more effectively, efficiently and professionally. To this end, government is in the process of acquiring vital equipment like aircrafts and ships and called for realistic maintenance culture to prolong the life span of the equipment. The CDS gave the assurance when he addressed officers and men and the civilian employees of the Armed Forces, at his maiden durbar at Burma Hall on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Blay charged soldiers to abide by the code and ethics of the GAF, and respect the tradition, "which bonded us to form a formidable force of the West African Frontier Force". He said soldiers should maintain the esprit de corps, momentum and professional status at all times and protect the good image carved by the GAF over the years.

He deplored the increasing spate of theft; internet fraud popularly called "sakawa" in the military environment and called for a concerted effort to curb the canker. The CDS also cautioned against the leakage of information to the media without using the proper channels, adding that such practice adversely affects the maintenance of the good values of the GAF as well as civil-military relations. He expressed dissatisfaction about the many reports of fire outbreaks in and around military barracks with its attendant destruction of property, adding that all hands should be on deck to check the menace.

The CDS was also not happy about the dwindling performance of GAF in sports (SESSA GAMES) and called for a revival to redeem the sporting image of the Armed Forces.

He advised all and sundry to take advantage of the National Health Insurance Scheme, to enable them to get easy access to medical care. The CDF advised the soldiers to utilize the funds they acquire during external operations judiciously by planning for their retirement. Responding to questions on salary adjustment, the CDS asked the personnel to exercise restraint until the Single Spine Salary Structure becomes operational in 2010, after which what is due the GAF would also be implemented.

He also assured all ranks of the implementation of the new GAF Provident Fund Scheme, which aims at improving the retirement package of all ranks. He said contributions, to the fund was optional to civilian employees.