The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) held its annual end-of-year religious parade on Friday, 20th December 2024, at Burma Camp, Accra.

The annual end-of-year religious parade is organised for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces under the auspices of the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff. It is aimed at taking stock of the past year as well as thanking God for a successful year.

Officiating the service under the theme “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart,” the Chief Imam, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)Najmudeen Agbere Mohammed, encouraged congregants to embrace forgiveness, humility and righteousness in their daily lives.

The Acting Director-General of Religious Affairs, Reverend Colonel (Col) Benjamin Kumi-Wood, emphasised the importance of gratitude not only for a peaceful election but also for the continued functioning of the government. He urged all personnel to work tirelessly to protect the country’s sovereignty and to bring honour to Ghana.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, also expressed gratitude to God on behalf of the Armed Forces for a successful year. He highlighted that GAF’s missions abroad, including those in Lebanon, had been safe despite ongoing tensions in the region. He further praised the historical achievement of GAF with the appointment of Africa’s first female Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Additionally, he announced the approval of a Presidential Charter for the National Defence University, which will now offer degrees and diplomas. He also mentioned the acquisition of the largest vessel in GAF’s history, which will be used to transport logistics to mission areas.

The Chief of Defence Staff commended all ranks and Defence Civilian Staff for their unwavering loyalty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.