Accra, June 29, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Wednesday asked the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to ensure a standard of alertness that would guarantee the peace and security of the nation. "Let me at this point remind you of your bounden duty to protect and defend the Constitution, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Ghana," he said.

Alhaji Mahama was speaking at the Armed Forces Council meeting at Burma Camp in Accra, during which the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Commanders of the GAF were sworn in as members of the Council. "As newly appointed Commanders, you must expect to encounter challenges along your path. The problems of personnel, logistics and equipment will present themselves to you from time to time. "I have no doubt that you will bring your immense experience to bear on these challenges and leave the service a better place than you met it."

Brigadier General Alexander Bediako- Donkor, Judge and Advocate General of the GAF, administered the oaths of Office and Secrecy to Major General Joseph Boateng Danquah, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen Samuel Anum Odotei, Chief of Army Staff; and Air Vice Marshall Julius Otchere Boateng; Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral Arthur Riby Sampah Nuno; Chief of Naval Staff, was absent at the ceremony. He is on official duty outside the country. Vice President Mahama, who is the Chairman of the Council, told the Military hierarchy that their appointments were the rewards of the years of meritorious service they had rendered to the country. "Keep your face to the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind

you," he said. Alhaji Mahama commended their predecessors for their outstanding performance during their tenure of duty, stressing that they contributed to making the country an oasis of peace in a strive-torn West African Sub-Region. "I want to express my complete satisfaction at the smooth hand over between the old and new guards. It is an indication of the high level of competence and professionalism within the top hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces."

Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence, told the military chiefs that on their shoulders rested the peace and security of the country in the years ahead and asked them to maintain and to improve upon the enviable achievements of their predecessors. "I wish you all the best in the years ahead and remember that, the whole nation looks up to you". Maj. Gen. Danquah said he and his colleagues were aware of the challenges ahead of them and called for the support of the Government to create an enabling atmosphere for peace and stability.