March 21, 2000

Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings has approved the revised structure of the country's armed forces to bring about increased efficiency and effectiveness.

His office said in statement Monday that the army has now been organised into Northern and Southern Commands while the navy remains organised into Western and Eastern naval Commands.

The Air Force has been reorganised into the Air Force Base, Accra, Air Force Station, Takoradi, Air Force Station, Tamale and Air Force Schools.

"The restructured establishments of the three services, namely the Army, Navy and Air Force, have necessitated corresponding changes in the rank structures of officers and other ranks," the statement said.

In line with the new structure, Rawlings as Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces has made a number of appointments and promotions.

The army commander, Maj. Gen. J.H. Smith, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general while the commander of the Second Infantry Brigade Group, Brig. H.K. Anyidoho, is now major-general and has been appointed General Officer commanding the Northern Command of the Ghana Army.

The commander First Infantry Brigade Group, Brig. F.Y. Mahama, has been promoted to the rank of major-general and appointed General Officer Commanding the Southern Command of the Ghana Army.

Rear Admiral E.O. Owusu-Ansah, Chief of Naval Staff, has been promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral while Air Vice-Marshal J.A. Bruce, Chief of Air Staff, has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal.