Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has disclosed that government has commenced the expansion and modernization of the Ghana Armed Forces in the country.
According to him, parts of the sub-regions are engulfed by terrorism and “embroiled in various forms of deprivation”, unrest and violence. Dr Bawumia explained that the country’s northern frontiers are threatened, expressing the need for a “comprehensive approach” to state security.
“Thus, government has commenced the strategic expansion and modernization of the Ghana Armed Forces in line with the threat analysis and matching these with the acquisition of the requisite equipment, logistics, infrastructure development and increase in manpower. The expansion has already seen the creation and the establishment of the Army Special Operations Brigade, Armoured Brigade and 2 Mechanized Battalions. The Bundase and Daboya Training Camps have been improved with the construction of new accommodation and training infrastructure to enhance training and learning”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Additionally, Dr Bawumia indicated that government has commenced the building of some 832 accommodation units for the Ghana Armed Forces which are currently at various levels of completion in all the Garrisons.
“Furthermore, plans are far advanced for the construction and equipping of 15 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) across our northern frontiers for the Ghana Armed Forces. These FOBs include FOB Dollar Power; FOB Hamile; FOB Tumu; FOB Navrongo; FOB Bawku; FOB Nalerigu; FOB Bunkpurugu; FOB Saboba; FOB Bimbilla; FOB Damongo; FOB Bole; FOB Jirapa; Forward Logistics Base at Wa; Forward Logistics Base Bolgatanga and Main Logistics Base at Tamale”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Government investing in GAF
The Vice President revealed that government is investing and will continue to invest heavily in the Ghana Armed Forces to not only bring it at par with other reputable armed forces in the world, but also to sharpen their readiness to protect the nation against the growing threats in the West Africa sub-region.
Elaborating on the extent of government’s modernization drive, Dr Bawumia expressed that government intends to equip the Ghana Navy with Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Patrol Boats to counter piracy and other maritime threats and protect the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). All these investments, he indicated, are to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces are well equipped and motivated to deliver on its mandates of safeguarding the peace, integrity and security of the nation and maintaining Ghana’s contribution to international peace and security.
“Plans are also in place to equip the Air force with assorted aircrafts comprising Casa C2A5 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts, Mi – 171SH Military Airlift Helicopters, VIP Transport Helicopters (H 225) and Mi35 Gunship. Government is delivering on its promise to reconstruct and upgrade the Ghana Military Academy to bring it at par with other reputable Military Academies in the world. As I speak today, I am delighted to say that, the first phase of the construction works of the Ghana Military Academy is almost complete”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Bawumia expressed government’s appreciation for the role played by the military in the fight against illegal mining.
“I applaud the Ghana Armed Forces for the successes chalked in clearing our water bodies of illegal miners, and urge you and the other security services to remain undaunted in the fight against illegal mining and lumbering”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
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