Ghana-Nigeria Military Pledge Against Coups

Lieutenant General Seth K. Obeng, Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces and Lieutenant General Alexander Odeareduo Ogomudia, Nigeria Chief of Army Staff who is also the Army Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, have jointly pledged their support to uphold the tenets of democracy in their respective countries. "We will encourage and strengthen the joint military training in both countries, so that we will be able to come together to defend democracy in our respective countries," Lt. Gen. Obeng said. The time to "adventure" in the areas of coup is over.

The two Commanders gave these assurances yesterday, when Lt. Gen. Ogomudia paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Gen. Obeng, at his offices at Burma Camp in Accra.

The Nigerian General who is on a six day official visit to Ghana from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 August 2002, had earlier paid a return visit to Major Gen. Clayton B. Yaache, Ghana's Army Commander. Major Gen. Yaache, visited the Nigerian Army Commander during their Army Week in Nigeria

Lt. Gen. Obeng said the Ghana Armed Forces had a vision for further integration between the two countries, which he said was the only way to live peacefully in the sub region. He announced that he himself would soon visit his counterpart in Nigeria.

Lt. Gen. Ogomudia conceded constitutional rule as the best policy both countries could follow to move the citizens and the nations forward. "Coups cannot help improve developmental needs of a country," he told his host. He said Nigeria and Ghana have so much to share and therefore pledged his support and corporation to ensure peace in the sub region to promote development. "The Nigerian Army is doing everything possible to support the police to forestall anything unforeseen that would erupt during the forthcoming election in Nigeria." He said the military is taking notice of areas that could pose dangers so as to beef up army support at those places.

The visiting Army Commander later called on Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence. The Minister told General Ogomudia that Ghana and Nigeria have enjoyed a close relationship dating back to the colonial days.

He called for support from the Nigerian Army to help establish the Kofi Annan Centre for International Peacekeeping to the benefit of the whole Africa.

Lt. Gen. Ogomudia thanked the Defence Minister for approving his visit to Ghana and promised that his country would strengthen the cordial relationship that exists between the two nations especially in the military field.

He exchanged gifts with both the Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff. He also visited the 37 Military Hospital and presented them with bedsheets, blankets, disinfectants, towels and drugs.