Sunyani, Jan. 11, GNA - The infusion of martial training into basic educational modules and curriculum will help instil discipline and patriotism in the youth, Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister has said.

Addressing the end of year get-together (WASSA) of the 2 Independent Recce Squadron of 3BN Garrison at the Liberation barracks in Sunyani, he said the Recce Regiment played a critical role in national security and the government acknowledged its numerous challenges.

Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo said the government was working to address the problems that include inadequate accommodation and logistics. He said the Ghana Armed Forces performed creditably in national stability, especially during the 2008 general election and had gained international recognition in the area of peace keeping. Lieutenant-Colonel Kofi Akou-Adjei, Commanding Officer of Recce Regiment, lauded the cordial relationship between the soldiers and civilian employees and urged them to continue to discharge their duties in a more responsive manner.

He expressed appreciation for the level of operational efficiency among the personnel of the regiment and exhorted them to continue. Captain Abdul Bashiru Issah, Officer Commanding the 2 Independent Recce Squadron, said the unit was "very small" but had a huge task in ensuring peace in the Northern command. He said troops had been deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Kenya, among other sister nations for peace keeping duties, whilst some had also been sent to Bawku, Yendi, Nanumba and Tamale. Capt. Issah urged the soldiers to exhibit a high level of tolerance even in the face of extreme provocation and to strive hard to improve relations with civil society to promote peaceful co-existence for national development.

As part of activities, the regiment organised sporting activities to strengthen the relationship between the soldiers and civilians. A fun club, Joy Fitness Club and the Recce team participated in volley ball, football, sack race, handball and tug of war. The fun club beat the Recce team 2-0 in the football match whilst the Recce team also won the handball in 7-6 aggregate. In the sack race the Recce team won 2-0 and emerged first in the tug of war whilst the fun club won 3-2 aggregate in the volley ball competition. The teams were presented with trophies and certificates of participation.