General News of Saturday, 15 December 2007

Source: GNA

Minister Advises Military Against Complacency

Kumasi, Dec.14, GNA - Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister has commended the Military for complementing the Police in efforts to maintain peace and order in the country in recent times.

The Regional Minister, however, advised the personnel not to be complacent but be up and doing to boost security during next year's Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Mr. Owusu-Ansah was addressing the Northern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, some Commanders of the other security Agencies, members of the public and other stakeholders at the closing session of the three-day jamboree organised by the sector in Kumasi on Friday.

He observed that, in the region, the military had contributed immensely in the fight against illegal mining operations; "Galamsey" and to stem other criminal activities and acts of violence emanating from chieftaincy disputes, among other things.

While expressing satisfaction about the event which had brought all the units in the sector together for the sharing of ideas and interactions among the members, Mr. Owusu-Ansah said the innovation would also build confidence, team work as well as develop healthy competition among the youth whilst also eliminating petty rivalry.

The Minister therefore urged the organizers to maintain the programme which would also foster civil-military co-operation and interaction. Brigadier Joseph Narh Adinkra, General Officer Commander of the Sector encouraged the Units to keep

up the discipline and hard work exhibited during the celebrations. Among the four Units: 4 Infantry Battalion (4BN) in Kumasi,3 Infantry Battalion (3BN) in Sunyani, 6 Infantry Battalion (6BN) and the Air Borne Force (ABF) both from Tamale, 4BN was crowned the overall champions by winning four trophies. They undertook events such as Drills, Quiz, Volley ball, Football, Orienteering Theory and Casualty Evacuation and the ABF, 6BN and 3BN followed in that order. Private Belinda Ohene Kwakye from the Air Borne Force was presented with a trophy for her outstanding performances in all the disciplines.