Veep calls for collaboration among security services to enhance peace
The Vice-President, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has advised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to partner the other security agencies to allay the anxiety of the electorate over the upcoming elections.
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“There is the need for collaboration between the security agencies to allay the significant public anxiety that occur in an election year,” he said.
Speaking at the GAF 2015 end-of-year West African Security Services Association (WASSA) at Burma Camp in Accra last Friday, Mr Amissah-Arthur said in an election year, minor issues were magnified by politicians and the media to create anxiety and insecurity among the electorate.
“In an election year, we need all the mobilised support to ensure that Ghana retains its peaceful nature,” he said.
Commendation
Mr Amissah-Arthur said so far the nation had witnessed a high-profile attack on a Member of Parliament (MP) in the second week of February and the horrendous accident on the Kintampo-Tamale road last week.
He commended the GAF for supporting the civilian populace anytime there was a disaster and said “during the Kintampo accident, the Air Force flew the injured to hospitals and the military also joined the police to patrol the country during the Christmas celebrations.”
Additionally, the Vice-President praised the GAF for averting a ferry disaster near Yeji.
Nearly 500 passengers would have perished on board a Yeji-bound ferry from Makango, near Tamale, but for the swift intervention of the rescuers.
The ferry, reported to have been overloaded with about four cars, other cargo and passengers, started sinking due to a leakage.
After urging the military to continue supporting civilian authorities and other security agencies to provide support and relief to the public, he presented awards to some distinguished personnel of the GAF.
WASSA
WASSA is an annual ceremony observed by security agencies with the aim of promoting socialisation after a hectic year's work.
In a welcome address, the Chief of Staff at the general headquarters of the GAF, Brigadier General Sampson Kwadzo Adeti, said the occasion was also used to take stock of activities in the year and to strategise for the year ahead.
He gave the assurance that the GAF would continue to work professionally and partner other security agencies to enhance the peace and security in the country.
“Crime has become highly sophisticated worldwide. We will partner other security forces to fight crime and protect national property at our peril,” he stated.
Awards were presented to two civilian employees and two soldiers, a warrant officer and a major for excelling in their various fields of endeavour.
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