Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President of Ghana, has advocated that the role of the Armed Forces should be expanded to combine defence of the nation with peaceful application of knowledge and expertise to improve national building.

"The world economic trend strongly suggests that Ghana and indeed other African countries would require the harnessing and co-ordination of available resources in solving their economic problems," he said, and added that Ghana can follow other countries that use the military as "a prime means of nation building".

Alhaji Aliu Mahama was addressing the 23rd Graduation Ceremony of Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) at Otu Barracks in Teshie near Accra last Friday.

In all 38 Officers graduated, made up of 13 Nigerians, 1 Rwandan and 24 Ghanaians and were presented certificates for the 11-month course they undertook. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of the college, which the government of Ghana formally approved in 1977.

The Command and Staff Course provides a high level of formal instruction for officers to enhance their ability to handle increased responsibilities and techniques as Staff Officers and Commanders.

The Vice President said the government is aware of the logistics problem facing the Armed Forces, which is being addressed through the Armed Forces Council.

He said after successfully addressing these problems the Ghana Armed Forces would be, "a highly professional, effective, and well disciplined force worthy of emulation".

He lauded the positive role the Armed Forces has played so far in the new democratic dispensation including the joint military/police operations against armed robbery, murders and other social vices which have reduced the incidence of these crimes.

Major General N.C. Coleman, Commandant GAFCSC, said since the establishment of the college it has trained 792 officers from 16 countries in Africa.

He said courses at the college have been structured in a manner that would meet international standards.

He said 12 officers undertook Masters degree courses and said a diploma course run by GIMPA would be available for those who cannot pursue the Masters program.

Major General Coleman appealed to the graduands to uphold the four elements of their professional ethics, that is duty, loyalty, selfless service and integrity.

Major William Agyapong of the Ghana Army received the overall best Officer award. He received ?1 million, a trophy and a book.