As part of increased efforts to bring peace back to the Bawku area, President John Dramani Mahama has promised that the peace mediation process headed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, will continue next week.
"All parties involved took part in talks in Kumasi over a peace roadmap after we initiated the Otumfuo mediation process.
When he returns from his short trip overseas next week, the Asantehene has promised me that the procedure will begin," he said.
Just two days ago, there was a market event that resulted in a tragic death and criminal property damage.
"I want to emphasise that this state of conflict and insecurity benefits no one," he stated.
As a result, he urged all sides in the protracted conflict to embrace peace and back continued efforts at reconciliation.
"To bring peace back to Bawku and the surrounding area, everyone must work together.
As we engage in discussion to settle this long-standing conflict, I implore all parties to embrace peace," President Mahama said.
He was addressing yesterday at the Ghana Military Academy's graduation ceremony.
Commencement
63 new officers from the Regular Career Course Intake 63 were commissioned to begin their professional military careers during the ceremony.
There were 25 girls and 138 males among the recently commissioned officers.
110 army cadets, 28 navy cadets, and 25 air force cadets made up the group. All of them had successfully finished an intense 18-month military training program intended for enlisted cadets with particular backgrounds.
Professionals from a range of academic disciplines from the nation's numerous postsecondary institutions comprised them.
A few of the cadets marching in the Ghana Military Academy's parade in Accra
A few of the cadets marching in the Ghana Military Academy's parade in Accra
In addition, President Mahama commended the soldiers for their selfless efforts to save lives and property in the combat zone.
He declared that his government would vigorously pursue the GAF's operational and combat preparedness ideals in order to reset the country and create a better Ghana.
"We will provide the GAF with resources, which entails improved tools, such as additional simulators, cutting-edge training, and the capacity to quickly mobilise in an emergency.
President Mahama stated, "You will be prepared to perform your duties with excellence, which will evaluate the retooling initiative and enable cost-effective outcomes to equip our army to the standards required for a 21st Century defence force."
Under his leadership as the GAF's Commander in Chief, he promised that promotions based on ability rather than connections will be the rule rather than the exception.
His government would increase non-commissioned officers' access to officer cadet training, he added.
Every soldier should, in my opinion, have an equal opportunity to advance through the ranks, particularly if they deserve it.
"I will guarantee professionalism and transparency within the GAF as a hallmark of my administration, demonstrated across all sectors," the President continued.
The challenge of accommodation
Additionally, he promised that his administration will take care of the troops' top issues, beginning with the need for decent housing.
He pledged that the government would renovate outdated and deserted military housing across the country and build new housing units in the barracks.
He stated that his government would create the Armed Forces' Home Ownership Scheme to give officers and soldiers the chance to purchase their own homes in addition to upgrading the barracks' accommodations.
He claimed that doing so would contribute to giving military families the security and comfort they were entitled to.
He claimed that the Ministry of Defence was already attempting to address the serious feeding issues that his government inherited from the previous one.
Providing emergency food supplies, making timely food supply payments while paying off the outstanding debts we inherited, and collaborating with the private sector to enter the mechanised farming market through the Defence Industry Holding Company Limited are the three pillars of that plan.
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