Accra, May 1, GNA - The Chief of the Defence Staff, Major General Peter Augustine Blay, has decried the falling standards of discipline, traditions and values of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and called for concerted efforts to arrest the situation.

General Blay stated this during an interaction with Army Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) attending an annual convention for Army RSMs at Six Infantry Battalion at Kamina Barracks in Tamale on Thursday. This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces in Accra signed by Lieutenant Colonel

M. Atintande. He said as custodians of military values and traditions, the RSMs would be able to sustain them if they had good relations with the various officers, adding that, the Armed Forces must be seen to be moving forward and as RSMs and Senior Non Commissioned Officers, (SNCOs), they would be up and doing to get the GAF to where it should be. Gen Blay explained that his vision for the Armed Forces was to create a body of motivated, formidable, strong and ready forces to fulfil the constitutional responsibilities including that of internal security. He expressed disappointment that basic military procedures were being overlooked, and said "the situation had affected the attitude of soldiers towards work and urged them to educate the troops to discharge their duties effectively.

Gen. Blay condemned the way and manner military issues were being leaked to the media and said it was appalling.

"The consequence of these actions is damaging the image of the Armed Forces and therefore steps must be taken in order that the rules governing communication with the press are followed and strictly adhered to," he noted.

He assured them that a lot was being done to improve the conditions of service and accommodation challenges facing the GAF to ensure a comfortable life for all troops.