CDS assures soldiers of government support
Accra, June 21, Ghanadot/GNA
– Major General P.A. Blay, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has
stated that government is putting in efforts to provide the
necessary equipment to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to
enable it to perform its traditional role of protecting the
territorial integrity of the State.
He said government was also aware of the challenges faced by
the GAF in its internal and external operations and would do
everything possible to provide the logistics required to
enable the personnel to work more effectively, efficiently
and professionally.
To this end, government is in the process of acquiring vital
equipment like aircrafts and ships and called for realistic
maintenance culture to prolong the life span of the
equipment.
The CDS gave the assurance when he addressed officers and
men and the civilian employees of the Armed Forces, at his
maiden durbar at Burma Hall on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Blay charged soldiers to abide by the code and
ethics of the GAF, and respect the tradition, “which bonded
us to form a formidable force of the West African Frontier
Force”.
He said soldiers should maintain the esprit de corps,
momentum and professional status at all times and protect
the good image carved by the GAF over the years.
He deplored the increasing spate of theft; internet fraud
popularly called “sakawa” in the military environment and
called for a concerted effort to curb the canker.
The CDS also cautioned against the leakage of information to
the media without using the proper channels, adding that
such practice adversely affects the maintenance of the good
values of the GAF as well as civil-military relations.
He expressed dissatisfaction about the many reports of fire
outbreaks in and around military barracks with its attendant
destruction of property, adding that all hands should be on
deck to check the menace.
The CDS was also not happy about the dwindling performance
of GAF in sports (SESSA GAMES) and called for a revival to
redeem the sporting image of the Armed Forces.
He advised all and sundry to take advantage of the National
Health Insurance Scheme, to enable them to get easy access
to medical care.
The CDF advised the soldiers to utilize the funds they
acquire during external operations judiciously by planning
for their retirement.
Responding to questions on salary adjustment, the CDS asked
the personnel to exercise restraint until the Single Spine
Salary Structure becomes operational in 2010, after which
what is due the GAF would also be implemented.
He also assured all ranks of the implementation of the new
GAF Provident Fund Scheme, which aims at improving the
retirement package of all ranks.
He said contributions, to the fund was optional to civilian
employees.
GNA
