Accra, May 29, GNA - Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence on Saturday expressed the Governments appreciation to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and Service Commanders for their excellent service during their tenure.

He said: "under your tenure, we have witnessed an increase in professionalism in the Ghana Armed Forces and a determination on the part of all ranks to uphold and defend the constitution and territorial integrity of the country.

The Minister said this at the inauguration of retired commission Air Force Officers Association (RCAFOA) in Accra, he added that we have also enjoyed four years of peace and tranquillity in our country, located in a sub-regional environment plagued with conflict and strife. He said, "your dedication to duty and selfless service to the people of Ghana have provided the needed environment for peace, stability and development in our dear country. Dr. Addo Kufuor said the Ghana Air Force of today is what it is because of the immense and selfless contribution that you made in your active years.

" We only have to build upon the solid foundations that you have laid and we are most grateful," he said.

He said the government was committed in ensuring that there is significant improvement in the conditions of service of the Ghana Air Force, saying, " the special needs of the Air Forces is receiving urgent attention and during a forth coming official trip to Russia, training and equipping the Air Force would be central to all the discussions." He commanded all retired officers for being able to come together to form the association saying, " may this association grow from strength to strength."

Air Vice Marshal Edward Mante, immediate past Chief of Air Staff (CAS) called on Government to see the association as a think tank and catalyst on aviation issues in the country. He said, " we posses a depth of knowledge and experience from which the government can tap to address problems facing the aviation industry in recent times.

He called on Government to make conscious efforts to avoid sending wrong signals that would not auger well for the country's hard worn democracy.

Air Vice Marshall Mante said it is unfortunate that the system makes the active personnel appear to be apathetic to the plight of the retired who equally, also appear to distance themselves from those they left behind.