Sunyani, (B/A) Jan. 5 GNA - A farewell parade has been held at the Liberation Barracks in Sunyani in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kwame Adusei Poku, the out-going Commanding Officer of the Third Garrison.

The parade, which consisted four contingents, was formed by seven officers and 130 men, the unit corps of drums and the unit's mascot (a sheep).

It was witnessed by a large number of people including Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, other members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Traditional rulers and heads of department. After reviewing the parade, Lt. Col. Adusei-Poku in an address said he was leaving the garrison, after almost three years of duty, a proud man because of the unflinching support he received from the officers and men of the unit as well as the civilian employees.

Lt. Col. Adusei-Poku noted that the soldiers had consistently lifted high the flag of the unit "and no doubt morale is very high amongst you."

He expressed satisfaction with the high standard of discipline in the unit and urged the soldiers to continue to support the weak in society and expressed the hope that the spirit of co-operation and togetherness would be nurtured.

The out-going Commanding Officer enumerated a number of development projects undertaken in the unit during his tenure of office, including the rehabilitation of the barracks' roads, replacement of underground cables, overhauling of the sewerage system, whilst Ghana Telecom installed public telephone booths at the barracks.

The unit was also able to establish five acres of orange and vegetables farm, saying the unit harvested 81 maxi bags of maize and beans last year.

Lt. Col. Adusei-Poku said in co-operation with GTZ, a German NGO, the unit established grasscutter, mushroom and snail farms. He noted that during his tenure the garrison supported the police to stabilize turbulent situations in the region and assisted in clamping down on illegal chain-saw operations as well as checking cross border smuggling activities.

He thanked other members of the REGSEC and traditional authorities for their support and co-operation and expressed the hope that they, as well as the officers and men of the unit would extend the same to Lt. Col. Abu Alhassan, the new Commanding Officer.