Prez presents 60 vehicles; cuts sod for $24.8m housing project for army

• Posted on October 29, 2021October 29, 2021
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

PRESIDENT Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has presented a fleet of assorted utility vehicles to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to help beef up its operations.
The vehicles include 40 Jeep J8 heavy-duty vehicles, 14 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, and six Toyota Hiace mini buses.

At a short ceremony at Burma Camp in Accra, the President that noted that the fleet to help contain the security threats posed by  extremist groups operating along the country’s Northern borders , and also help the Army deal better with internal security challenges.
The President noted that his government commitment at ensuring that the needs of the Armed Forces are met at all times to enable deliver effectively on its mandate. 

 He acknowledged that extending equitable distribution of development and prosperity to all parts of the country can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and security adding that government stands ready to continue to provide the legitimate demands of the Armed Forces.

 “There is no doubt that your success in providing the needed all-round security in the country has been made possible through your vigilance and sacrifices, notwithstanding the modest resources with which you have to work. Ghana is forever indebted to you”.

Before handing over the vehicles, the President broke the ground for the commencement of work on the USD24.8 million housing project for troops of the GAF.  
As part of the project, 40 half compound houses will be built at Burma Camp, and 10 each will be put up at the Naval Base in Sekondi, the Airforce Base in Tamale, the fourth Infantry Battalion in Kumasi and the third Infantry Battalion in Sunyani.
The project, when completed, will add some 320 units to the housing stock of the Armed Forces.
The President emphassied  that Ghana’s economic development could thrive only in an atmosphere of peace and security, which would come at the cost of other competing demands, President Akufo-Addo assured the GAF that the Government would systematically address the logistical and housing needs of the Armed Forces to enhance the state of preparedness of troops.
He lauded the Brass, officers, men and women of the GAF for the commitment and dedication in ongoing operations intended to create a secure and peaceful atmospheres along, the North-Western and North-Eastern borders of the nation.
“I encourage you to continue to collaborate with the Ministers of National Security, Interior and Foreign Affairs and all other relevant Ministries and agencies, to ensure that we maintain a robust posture that will deter potential aggressors from attempting to derail the political and socio-economic gains we have achieved so far. 
“There is no doubt that your success in providing the needed all-around security in the country has been made possible through your vigilance and sacrifices, notwithstanding the modest resources with which you have to work. Ghana is forever indebted to you,” he said.

The President had earlier inspected ongoing projects at Ghana Military Academy Infrastructure Upgrade project site at the Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools at Teshie, near Accra.
The President was delighted that the project had progressed significantly, since he cut the sod for its commencement on 4th July 2019.  

The Cadet Mess, the Square and lecture rooms are completed. The Administration Block is some ninety-five (95%) complete, and the contractor is in the final stages of completing the external works. The two hundred and forty-six (246) capacity Cadet Hostel and Platoon Commander’s Block are some sixty-five percent (65%) complete.

The President was also informed that the housing project, which is an integral part of the facility funding the Military Academy Upgrade Project, would see the Ghana Armed Forces adding eight hundred and thirty-two (832) units of 2-bedroom self-contained flats to its stock when completed, with the ones at Five (5) and Six (6) Garrisons also at various stages of completion.

Again, the President also inspected on-going construction of the seven-storey Army Headquarters Office Complex, which is also progressing steadily. 

“This project is costing the taxpayer some thirty-three million cedis (GH¢33 million). Undoubtedly, it will boost the image and morale of the Army, since the Air Force and the Navy already have very beautiful headquarters, and we cannot allow the Army to be left out,” he added.

By Daniel NONOR, Accra