GAF issues ultimatum to defaulting freight companies

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Mathew Quarshie, has directed that all companies that have defaulted in supplying cost insurance and freight (CIF) goods ordered by Ghanaian soldiers on international peacekeeping operations are to supply the goods by April 30, 2014, without fail.

The CDS has further stated that the Armed Forces would take appropriate action to recover the monies paid by soldiers, and with interest where necessary, against companies that fail to supply the goods by the stipulated date.

These directives were contained in a press release signed by Colonel Mbawine Atintande, Director of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, and copied to the Ghana News Agency at the weekend.

“These directives follow the CDS’ consideration of the recommendations of a Board of Inquiry into reports that some of the mentioned companies have failed to deliver the goods ordered by the soldiers, some for years,” the release said.

It explained that the CIF orders were instituted by the Military High Command with the support of government over four decades ago, to assist troops on international peacekeeping operations procure household appliances for their personal use.

“While it is not intended to discontinue this welfare package for such troops, the CDS has directed a review of the scheme, and especially contracts with the local companies involved, to ensure substantial security guarantees for the beneficiary soldiers,” the release indicated.

Meanwhile, it has further been directed that no new orders should be placed with the defaulting CIF companies by contingents on peacekeeping operations until the conclusion of the review exercise and the outstanding CIF items have been supplied.