President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to building a professional, merit-driven, and welfare-conscious military under his leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Regular Career Course 63 at the Ghana Military Academy, President Mahama outlined a bold vision that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and the well-being of military personnel.
In a speech that was warmly received by cadets, officers, and invited guests, the President stressed that under his administration, merit-based promotions would be the standard across the Armed Forces.
“I believe every soldier should have a fair chance to rise optimally through the ranks, especially when they merit. As a hallmark of my administration exhibited across all sectors, we will ensure transparency within the Ghana Armed Forces.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He further announced plans to expand opportunities for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to access officer cadet training, ensuring that every soldier has a fair and equal opportunity to rise through the ranks based on performance and dedication.
President Mahama noted that this philosophy of fairness and transparency was not unique to the Ghana Armed Forces but is a hallmark of his broader governance approach.
“As exhibited across all sectors under my administration, transparency and meritocracy will define how we build a stronger and more effective Ghana Armed Forces”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Welfare of Armed Forces
Beyond promotions and career advancement, the President turned his attention to one of the most pressing challenges facing military personnel — quality housing.
Acknowledging the longstanding issues of inadequate accommodation, he announced a major initiative focused on constructing new housing units within military barracks across the country.
In addition, his administration would undertake the refurbishment of dilapidated and abandoned military housing facilities.
“We believe that every service personnel must have the opportunity to own their own private home,” President Mahama stated. He emphasized that providing military families with decent housing is not only a matter of comfort but also essential for ensuring the security, dignity, and morale of the troops.
The President also addressed the welfare of civilian defense staff, pledging that their needs would be given equal priority.
Among the immediate concerns identified was the acute food supply challenges inherited from the previous administration.
According to President Mahama, the Ministry of Defense had already activated a three-pronged strategy to resolve this crisis.
“First is providing emergency food supplies. The second is paying food supplies on time while retiring their outstanding debts we inherited. And the third is partnering with the private sector to venture into mechanized farming under the Defense Industry Holding Company Limited”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The mechanized farming project is intended to create a sustainable food supply chain for the Armed Forces, reducing reliance on external vendors and improving food security for military personnel and their families.
“My dear military personnel and civilian staff, I am determined to systematically improve your conditions of service,” President Mahama assured.
He added that DIHOC would serve as a key partner in providing sustainable financing options to support various initiatives within the Armed Forces, from housing and food security to equipment and logistics.
In his concluding remarks, President Mahama paid tribute to the sacrifices made by retired military personnel, promising that their contributions would not be forgotten.
He vowed to ensure the prompt payment of retirement benefits, recognizing that the welfare of retired officers and soldiers is an essential part of maintaining the dignity of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony marked a significant moment not just for the graduating cadets but for the entire Ghana Armed Forces, signaling a leadership committed to fairness, professionalism, and the holistic well-being of those who serve.
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