The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Darkwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned 292 Officer Cadets during a graduation ceremony held at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) Officer Cadet square, Whistler Barracks, Teshie on Friday 17 November, 2023.
Out of the total number of graduating officer cadets, 217 are males, 75 females and 2 are allied Officer Cadets from the Republic of Guinea.
The Reviewing Officer, President Nana Addo Darkwa Akufo-Addo in his address said the Ghana Military Academy had remained resolute and well-focused on achieving its mandate despite the challenges confronting her.
He indicated that commissioning such large number of Officers put GAF in the state of readiness for the emerging security threats in West Africa particularly the Sahel region, adding that government remains resolute in instituting measures to safe-guard the territorial integrity and security of the country.
In view of the mandate of GAF to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Ghana, the President indicated that the Armed Forces is proportionally spread across the country to maintain continuous surveillance in readiness to respond effectively to security threats.
To support the mandate, the President stated that he has approved a number of measures for the expansion of GAF. Amongst them are the promulgation of some establishments and units including the National College of Defence Studies, 12 Mechanised Battalion Unit and the Sergeant Major Academy. Additionally, he said the Directorates of Military Records and Public Relations have been upgraded to Departments while the Air Force, Headquarters Support Services Brigade Group, and the Ghana Armed Force Medical Corp have also been expanded.
The President disclosed that he has approved the promulgation of the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band, Musical School, Fire Service, the School of Ordinance and the Artillery Training School. The later, he revealed, would enhance the capability of GAF to deal decisively with contemporary threat within and outside the country.
President Nana Addo reminded the new commissioned Officers to bear in mind that GAF has over the years maintained a healthy relationship with the civilian population hence cautioned them to guard against the temptation of using the uniform to intimidate civilians.
He also entreated the newly commissioned Officers to put the qualities of good leadership instilled in them to practice, live exemplary lives and also ensure that men under their command also do the same
In all, four awards were presented during the graduation parade to Officer Cadets who excelled during the training. Senior Under Officer (SUO) Awotwi Jacob Vanderpuye who was adjudged all round cadet of the Regular Career Course 62, received the Sword of Honour award.
Junior Under Officer (JUO) Frimpong Esther received military cane, while JUO Kpodo George Delali received Academic Cane Award. These two awards are presented to Officer Cadets who placed second and third in the cumulative order of merit of the Regular Career Course 62 respectfully.
Senior cadet (S/Cdt) Camara Alpha Yaya from the Republic of Guinea was adjudged the Best Allied Cadet in order of the Regular Career Course 62.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Minister for Defence, Honourable Dominic Ntiwul, the Minister of Interior, Honourable Amrose Derry, and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama. The rest were the Service Chiefs, Commandants of the various training schools, and Senior Officers.
