Accra, Dec. 31, GNA- Lieutenant-General J.B. Danquah, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Sunday entreated the military personnel to shun tendencies that retarded progress and professional development. "We should resolve to eschew them in the year ahead. I challenge you to individually and collectively set yourselves goals that will lift us into higher plane".. And we should strive hard to achieve them", he said. Lt. Gen. Danquah was delivering his Christmas and New Year's message to personnel of the GAF at this year's non-denominational religious parade and thanksgiving service at Burma Camp in Accra.

The programme that was under the theme: "God is our Saviour", was to thank God for the successes chalked by the GAF even under difficult circumstances and with limited resources. The CDS told personnel that 2007 would come along with many challenges to the armed forces and the nation at large, as the country plans to celebrate its Golden Jubilee early next year. He said during that period, the world's attention would focus on Ghana as it hosts several dignitaries, who would participate in the celebrations, which required that the GAF moved into higher gear to collaborate with other security services to ensure a trouble-free national celebration.

"I therefore entreat you to accept these and other new tasks and assignments which will come along with our routine traditional ones. "We must pledge to work hard, mindful of the fact that the people of Ghana have reposed their confidence in us and expect us to deliver. We cannot fail our nation." Lt. Gen. Danquah asked troops to stay focused and steadfast in the New Year and demanded of them high standards of discipline, unqualified loyalty to the State and to Command, vigilance at all times, devotion and dedication to duty. He pledged to provide the necessary support and direction needed for them to accomplish their task.