Accra, Dec. 7, GNA - Mr Gong Jianzhong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana has presented construction equipment to the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

They included two motorised graders, two wheel loaders, two bulldozers, an excavator, five tipper trucks, a water tanker, a low loader, four concrete mixing machines and three compressor machines. A statement issued in Accra by Lieutenant Commander A. LA-Anyane for Director of Public Relations, said Mr Gong pledged the commitment of the People's Liberation Army of China to share with GAF its expertise in national development.

"China is ready to continue to provide GAF with assistance within her capacity as a trustworthy friend and reliable brother when she marks the 50th anniversary of relationship with Ghana ", he added. Mr Gong noted that the two consignments of equipment delivered this year would help GAF contribute more to the implementation of the Ghana Better Agenda while enhancing Ghana's capacity building for peace-keeping operations.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of GAF, Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, Minister of Defence, noted that the equipment would improve the capability and capacity of the Regiment whilst enhancing the country's socio-economic development.

He said the equipment would serve the intended purpose only when the operators and mechanics adhered strictly to maintenance schedules and handle them with care.

Lt-Gen. Smith charged the Commanding Officer, Officers and men of the unit and especially the operators to ensure that GAF derived maximum output from the equipment. 7 Dec. 10