Lieutenant General Obed Akwa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has called on servicemen to embrace 2018 with hope and confidence to be able to execute their constitutionally mandated task of providing security.

He admonished servicemen to be conscious of their own safety during the Yuletide celebration as they ensured the safety of the citizens and their environment.

“Regrettably, we have lost some personnel due to road traffic accidents. I would like us to approach this season calmly and not over indulge in the enjoyment that goes with the Christmas season. We should rather be sober and conscious of our environment so that we shall end this year on a high note and start the New Year also on a high note,” the CDS said.

Lt. Gen. Akwa said this on Sunday at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) End of Year Non-Denominational Religious Parade, held at the Burma Hall in Accra on the theme: “Dedication and Service to God and Country”.

The Parade is a Thanksgiving Service to give reverence to God for His divine protection and guidance throughout the year.

It brought together service chiefs, commandants, forces sergeants major, civilian employees, and officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The CDS expressed gratitude to the Government for its continuous support to the GAF to ensure it performed its duties well.

Very Reverend Professor Kwabena Asamohan Gyadu, the Professor of African Christianity and Pentecostal Theology of the Trinity Theological Seminary, in a sermon, called on Christians to be insightful and thoughtful in decision-making to achieve positive results.

Lieutenant Colonel Yusif Mensah Shamsudiin, the Chief Imam of GAF, called on Christians and Muslims to discover their purpose on earth and fulfil them to glorify God.

The Service was interspersed by the mass band of the Armed Forces and the Security Services Choir. Prayers were offered for the Government, the Security Services and the peace and stability of the nation.