Accra, April 3, GNA - The command hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Friday witnessed changes in positions when outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and service commanders formally handed over their symbols of office to newly promoted appointees.

Major General Peter Augustine Blay succeeded Real Admiral Arthur Riby Sampa Nunoo as Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshall Julius Okyere Boateng, Chief of Air Staff handed over to Air Vice Marshall Samson-Oje, Major General Joseph Narh Adinkrah succeeded Major General Samuel Anum Odotei as Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General Robert Winful, Chief of Staff handed over to Commodore Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro whiles and Rear Admiral Matthew Quarshie as Chief of Naval Staff. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Real Admiral Nunoo expressed his appreciation to the government for the opportunity to serve the country in his capacity as Chief of Naval Staff for four years and Acting Chief of the Defence Staff for 3 months after 42 years of service in the Armed Forces.

Rear Admiral Nunoo said a sound Armed Forces was the bedrock of democracy in any country and urged the military and civilian personnel to work hard as a team in order to maintain the credibility of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He said the challenges associated with the oil find in the Western Region had placed an extra burden on the navy since it required maximum protection. He said lack of spare parts to maintain ageing ships, accommodation problems and inadequate logistics were some of the challenges facing the navy.

"The vigilance at sea in safeguarding our natural resources and combating criminal activities, our excellent performances in peacekeeping operations and disaster assistance both internally and externally have earned the navy great commendations. All these achievements have become possible in the face of extreme logistical constraint," he said. Rear Admiral Nunoo urged the rank and file of the navy to offer his successor the needed support and cooperation as was accorded to him while in office.

Major General Blay commended Rear Admiral Nunoo for his professional conduct during the transition period. He gave the assurance that the Armed Forces would live up to expectation under his leadership. Rear Admiral Quarshie called for determination and hard work on the part of the naval staff for success.

He pledged to work hard to overcome the enormous challenges and responsibility that had been placed on his shoulders. Speaking to the media after a farewell parade in his honour, Major General Odotei urged the media to be careful about reports that would discourage soldiers from giving of their best.

"Although the armed forces are an institution faced with some setbacks, we need to maintain the international repute of the military so the media need to set the pace. We do not need ethnic or tribal politics in the army because we work in unity," he said. Air Vice Marshall Julius Okyere Boateng urged suppliers, administrators, engineers, operations and civilian employees to work as a team for the Air Force to achieve its aim and ambitions. "Like any human institution, the Air Force is made up of all shades of people but there is the need to create conditions that would ensure equity, opportunity and rewards for even the weakest. You must be prepared to go the extra mile to achieve perfection." 3 April 09