We Are Not Harmful - GAF

"The truth is that the serviceman of today is only a civilian in uniform. We are of you, from you and will come back to join you."

The Director of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Directorate of Public Relations, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Nibo made this reassuring remark at the opening of the national GAF Open Day on Friday.

Due to the numerous military coups d'etat the country has suffered and excesses of these eras, the civilian has developed a negative perception about the military. The day, which the third so far, is aimed at improving civil-military relations as well as to help citizens understand the life of the armed forces and their style of living.

"It is aimed at evolving a well informed society when attitudes, both on the part of the military and on the part of the civilian will change for the better," Lt. Col. Nibo said.

The general public mainly children and students thronged to the El-Wak Stadium, and were guided through the Airforce Base, Military Academy and Training Schools (MATS), the 37 Military Hospital and the 48 Engineering Regiment. Other places visited were the Mounted Squadron and the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.

At the Teshie Shooting Range some of the students handled weapons and equipment and interacted with United Nations Peacekeeping veterans.

Activities for the Open Day in Accra included Air and Sea experience, a ride in Armoured Fighting Vehicles, parachute jumping and blood donation, eye tests and medicare, photo and equipment exhibition and lectures.

The Officer Commanding 1 Recce Squadron, Captain Isaac Asare-Bediako in an interview with the ADM said strong civil-military relations thrive on constant interactions between both parties. On the issue of coups he said most often it is the civilians who instigate the army to engage in such acts but added that the armed forces of today is democracy oriented.

"The civilians agitate and they always use the military as a tool to achieve their aim. But if the civilians accept that democracy is good for them and they must play a part and the military understands that they are to defend the constitution, we would not have any problem."

Most of the students interviewed expressed their excitement with the activities especially the air, sea and armoured rides. However, the adults suggested that such an important event should have been held on a holiday or a weekend to enable workers to join in.