Ho, March 07, GNA - The 66 Artillery Regiment (Volta Barracks) on Tuesday organized an opened day at its barracks to enhance civil/military relations in the region.

The day, which was part of activities to mark Ghana's 49 Independence Anniversary, attracted youth groups, pupils and students and people from the general public.

They were briefed on the history and evolution of the regiment and taken through photo exhibitions, display of weapons and military dressing, kit laying, demonstration on double sentry drill and the tour of the Barracks.

Giving the historical background to Artillery in the country, Captain Kingsley K. Affrifa said the present 66 Artillery Regiment came into existence on the 16th April 1966 as the Medium Mortar Regiment (MMR) until 03 June, 2003 when the unit took delivery of new artillery pieces hence the name 66 Artillery Regiment.

He said the 66 Artillery Regiment had provided independent batteries in support of Ghanaian and foreign battalions on peacekeeping duties.

"Until March 1992, there had been an independent Mortar Battery operating in Lebanon. This battery was designated the 'Ghana Mortar Coy' and served the Force Fire Support unit for 13 years", he said.

Captain Affrifa said currently, a Mortar Troop and 107mm RL Detachment from the Regiment is operating on rotational basis as part of the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operation in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Ivory Coast.