The General Headquarters (GHQ) West Africa Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA), ‘crème de la crème’ in the Ghana Armed Forces, has been held in grand style on Friday, 22 December 2023.
The event, organised with a touch of class and royalty at the forecourt of the Department of Public Relations in Burma Camp, saw the President and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the military hierarchy as well as the top brass members of the security architecture in attendance.
It was a grandeur characterised by spectacular performances by the Dance Hall artist, Samini and the Armed Forces Central Band, creating a euphoria which provided a platform for enhanced esprit de corps for the gallant military personnel to celebrate, reflect, and plan for the upcoming year. The event also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to the government, institutions, and individuals who contributed significantly to the year's achievements.
The Guest of Honour, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, praised GAF personnel for their unwavering dedication to protecting the country's territorial integrity and providing a secure environment for socioeconomic development.
He commended all ranks for their commitment to GAF values, customs, and traditions, urging them to protect the constitutional order. He emphasized the significant role of GAF in promoting peace and security, both domestically and internationally, over the years.
“Government and citizens continue to appreciate the sacrifices of the Ghana Armed Forces towards ensuring peace and security both home and abroad. On the international front you continue to make all of us proud by your sterling performance in peace support operations,” he said.
He said the just ended United Nations (UN) Ministerial Conference held in Ghana, first of its kind in Africa, was successful.
The President lauded Captain Cecilia Erzuah for winning the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2022 for her dedication towards gender equality an community engagement during her deployment in UNMISS.
He extolled GAF for its efforts during the Volta River Authority Dam spillage, thereby alleviating the hardships of affected communities.
President Akufo-Addo further announced the construction of over 2000 residential and office units across all Garrisons in a gradual approach to address GAF's accommodation issues. He commended the Military High Command for maintaining cordial relationship with civil society and expressed gratitude to all Ghanaian friends and partners who support GAF in various ways to promote infrastructural development, training, and equipment acquisition.
On his part, the Minister for Defence, Honourable Dominic Nitiwul Dominic Nitiwul, thanked the President for addressing the welfare needs of all ranks as well as the challenges of GAF by retooling and transforming it into a formidable force to enhance operational capabilities.
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, expressed gratitude to the President for taking time out of his busy schedule to join GAF personnel for an important occasion. He emphasized that despite facing limited resources, GAF has successfully contributed its quota to the country's developmental efforts. Adding that, GAF has consistently maintained the flag of Ghana on the international front through its outstanding performance in peacekeeping.
CDS commended the government for its commitment to retooling GAF to improve its operational capabilities. He also expressed gratitude to various security services, government agencies, diplomatic corps, allied foreign governments, and cooperate institutions for their continuous support in maintaining peace and security.
