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General News of Sunday, 19 August 2001

Source: Kent Mensah for Accra Mail

Kufuor Charges Military Hierarchy

...Don't Allow Adventurism

One major setback to the development of democracy in third world countries has been identified as military adventurism. Ghana and her neighbours have had their share of this to the detriment of the progress and professionalism of their armed forces.

The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor last Friday added his weight to efforts at making military adventurism an anachronistic venture. He charged the military hierarchy to make the elimination of this anomaly their priority. President Kufuor made the call during his maiden review of the parade by graduating Cadets of the Regular Career Course 41 and Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 40 held at the Military Academy and Training Schools' parade square, Teshie.

He also called on the armed forces to intensify efforts at ensuring cordial relationship with their civilian compatriots. "Let the civilians feel secure and not terrified by your presence," he said. The Open Day event, he added, should be institutionalised as a way of achieving a cordial military and civilian co-existence.

He assured military personnel that the government will do everything possible in spite of the economic situation to provide adequate logistics for them to discharge their duties effectively.

The Commander-In-Chief noted that the military should be allowed to operate without any political interference. He further called on the entire military to uphold the constitution of Ghana and urged them to be loyal, faithful and honest to the government.

Senior Under Officer, Obiri Yeboah received the Sword of Honour, followed by Junior Under Officer Hinfum Michael who received the Military Cane. The Academic Cane went to Junior Under Officer, Darko Emmanuel and Cadet Commander, Atipo Maxwell grabbed the Army Commander's Prize. In all 73 cadet Officers graduated including two Burkinabes.

The GMA which was established on 1st, April 1960 has churned out over 3,000 officers.