Soldiers of the Second Battalion of Infantry Unit (2BN) at Apremdo Barracks, near Takoradi have indicated their readiness to protect on-shore facilities belonging to the various oil companies operating in the Western region.

According to the Unit, the commercial production of oil which started in the region is a blessing, adding that the military would not lose sight of the fact that vigilance and the ability to protect the on-shore facilities are paramount.

Lt. Col. Albert Kojo Dawohoso, Commanding Officer (CO) of the 2BN disclosed these at the annual West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) held at the Apremdo Barracks last Friday.

The ceremony offered Unit Commanders the opportunity to review their performance throughout the year and made projections into the future.

He disclosed that the Unit had been active throughout the year with its internal security operations in support of civil society, stressing that the Unit was involved in operations Calm Life, Halt and Safe.

He was delighted that the Unit came second in the Southern Command March and shooting competition held recently and added that most of the soldiers that took part in the competition had been deployed along the Western border to monitor the situation in Cote d Ivoire.

He commended the officers and men at the Unit for the dedication to duty, hard work, discipline and loyalty as well as a job well done during the year in the wake of challenges.

The CO of 2BN indicated that with the changes in technology, globalization and the need to protect the country’s infant democracy in the face of sophisticated crimes and international terrorism, it was important for the troops to be well trained and ready at all times to face the tasks ahead.

“Let me remind you that the Command will continue to reward hardworking soldiers by way of promotion and nomination for peacekeeping operations but I will be quick and swift in dealing decisively with the indiscipline ones,” he noted.

He said the launch of the Myohoung Educational Fund in the Unit was to support excellent students and also help provide the needed materials for effective teaching and learning in the Unit’s basic schools. Lt Col Dawohoso added that the sponsorship would continue and urged all parents to show interest in their wards education.

He pointed out that there were massive encroachments on the military lands in the area and appealed to other potential encroachers to stay away from the lands since the Military High Command would use legitimate means to protect the remaining lands.