The 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho rounded off its 60th anniversary celebration with a grand durbar at the Obeng Square of the Volta Barracks in Ho on Thursday, April 16, amid thrilling cultural and acrobatic displays.
The two-week celebration, which featured blood donations, clean-up exercise and other activities by personnel of the regiment was on the theme: Six Decades of Dedicated Service.
The guest of honour was the National Security Advisor to the President, Prosper Douglas Bani.
He commended the 66 Artillery Regiment for adhering to the highest professional military standards over the past sixty years and preserving the peace in the Volta and Oti regions.
That professionalism and dedication, and fighting spirit, he acknowledged, was also readily evident in their peace keeping operations outside Ghana.
Mr Bani said the celebration offered a platform for the regiment not only to review its rich history, but also renew its commitment to the future and still stand tall with the values of sacrifice and service with distinction.
The National Security Advisor said from the humble beginning on April 16, 1966 as the then Medium Mortar Regiment, the unit had grown and established an image for itself as a respected and formidable one, contributing immensely to the capability of the Ghana Army.
“Your steadfastness in fire support for the Ghana Army cannot be unnoticed,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Bani praised the regiment for maintaining the highest standards of sanitation at the barracks, saying it was definitely one of the neatest units in the country.
“That shows pride, discipline and a sense of ownership, as well as moral affection for the unit by its personnel” said Mr Bani.
He entreated the officers and men of the regiment to continue to uphold the spirit of disciple sacrifice and dedication to duty to preserve the respect it had earned over the decades.
Brigade Commander
Earlier, the Commander of the 16 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Selom Amengor, lauded the 66 Artillery Regiment for distinguishing itself with resilience and loyalty to the nation, and safeguarding Ghana’s eastern frontier with vigilance, responsiveness, reliability and steadfastness.
“Apart from that, 66 Artillery Regiment continues to nurture officers and men who excel locally and internationally,” he added.
Brigadier General Amengor gave an assurance the 16 Artillery Brigade would always support the 66 Artillery Regiment in its operations in the national interest.
He entreated the Gunners to remain united at all times and be committed to their duty call.
The Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jalal Din Ibrahim, said the unit had a rich legacy of service and sacrifice, as it faithfully discharged its duties over the past six decades.
He said the unit would continue to uphold its sterling image without compromise.
The President of the Ghana Artillery Officers Association, Brigadier General Nicholas Kporku (rtd), called on the officers of the regiment to continue to demonstrate true professional leadership while the rank and file remained loyal to the mission of the regiment.
As part of the celebration, the Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel Charles Spencer Churchill Grant (rtd), who served the Regiment as Commanding Officer from November 1972 to July 1974, was presented to the gathering and honoured with a citation.
