President Akufo-Addo has disclosed that the necessary legislative measures have commenced for the extension of the service years for military personnel from the current 25 to 30 years.

The President said the move is in fulfillment of his campaign promise to the military during the 2016 electioneering.

“The Legislative review of the Armed Forces amendment regulation 1986, LI 1332 has begun. The review will extend the serving time of other ranks from the current 25 years to 30 years. This is in fulfillment of our manifesto promise in the just ended election. I want all Ghanaians to see me as a man of my word,” the President said when he joined the army for the annual West African Security Services Association (WASSA) get together in Accra.

He also promised to make the welfare of the men and women in uniform his priority.

The President quoted the former British Field Marshall, Bernard Mongamery saying, ” the Solider who is well provided for, who is not disturbed by Petty and unnecessary inconveniences, who knows that everything possible is being done for him, who is well fed and clothed is a contended solider”. This, he said, is his government’s vision and focus for the Ghana Armed forces.

For his part, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Major General Obed Boamah Akwa urged the government to sustain and shore up the retooling of the three arms of the Ghana Armed Forces namely; the Army, Air Force and Navy.

He said in spite of resource constrains, the Ghana Armed Forces has worked hard to maintain the territorial integrity of the country from internal and external aggression.