Government committed to improve welfare of Military

Accra, Dec. 8, GNA - The Government would continue to work towards improving the condition of service of the Military, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufour; Minister of Defence, said on Friday.

Dr Addo-Kufour said this when he paid a working visit to units under the Five Garrison.

He said soldiers on retirement would be put on the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to enjoy free medical care irrespective of where they might be.

The Minister accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General S. A. Odotei and the Forces Sergeant Major (FSM) CWO James Cole, toured the Southern Command Headquarters, the 48 Engineer Regiment Military Academy and Training Schools (MATS), the Recce Regiment and the 64 Infantry Regiment.

At the Southern Command Headquarters, Dr Addo-Kufour met with officers, men, women and civilians employees and assured the troops of the Government's commitment to their welfare.

He also outlined some of the projects that have so far been undertaken since he assumed office and thanked the Command for their contribution in keeping the country safe.

At the 48 Engineer Regiment, the Defence Minister was met on arrival by Lt. Col. F. Ofori, who briefed him on the state of affairs at the Regiment after which he took the Minister round various installations of the Unit.

Dr Addo-Kufour at an All Ranks Durbar with the troops assured them that he was aware of the problems facing them and that all efforts were being made to address them.

He stated that the accommodation problem currently facing the Armed Forces was being addressed as the Ministry had opened tenders for the construction of a four storey block of flats estimated to cost 20 million dollars.

He said about 178 soldiers and their families would benefit from the project.