Sunyani (B/A), Sept 22, GNA - Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister on Thursday commended soldiers of 3BN Garrison in Sunyani for their tremendous contributions to the prevailing peace in the region.

Addressing officers and men of the Garrison at a farewell party in honour of the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abu Alhassan, the Minister urged them to continue to strengthen the peaceful co-existence with civilians.

Mr. Baffour-Awuah said the military was the cornerstone of ensuring national security and that there was the need for the soldiers to conduct their activities with a high sense of civility to gain the respect and support of society. "You should learn much to interact with civilians in order that when your services are over, they will cope with and accept you in society", he stated.

The Regional Minister acknowledged the contributions of Lt. Col. Alhassan at meetings of the Regional Security Council and expressed the hope that he would continue with such motivating spirit in all spheres of his life.

The out-going Commander expressed gratitude to the men and officers of the Garrison and the people of the region, citing particularly Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Council, for his immense support and advice in the course of his duties. He said since he took office three years ago, the Garrison had experienced a remarkable improvement in infrastructure development and human capacity building.

Lt. Col. Alhassan appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council to support the Garrison with adequate security lights and commended the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Water Company for the regular power and water supply to the Garrison.