CDS announces significant retooling and housing assistance for GAF
32
The government has approved a significant housing and retooling initiative for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), according to Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Speaking to commanders, troops, civilian employees, and families during the GAF End of Year Religious Parade at Burma Hall in Accra, he said that over 2,000 housing units had been approved for immediate rollout across garrisons nationwide, with over 700 of those units anticipated to be built in Accra.
If everything went according to plan, an additional 8,000 units were anticipated over the next five years, according to Lt. Gen. Agyapong.
According to him, the initiative’s goal was to improve employee welfare, operational effectiveness, and general well-being by offering suitable housing.
The subject of the event was “Kept by the Power of God,” which was taken from 1 Peter 1:5.
Regarding retooling, the CDS stated that a comprehensive package to improve the Forces’ operational capabilities had been authorised by the President.
He stated that the Ghana Air Force will acquire more fixed wing and rotary aircraft, while the Ghana Navy would receive offshore patrol vessels.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong stated that in order to increase readiness, the Ghana Army would get armoured assets, air defence systems, weaponry, vehicles, and ammunition.
He added that in order to cut expenses and improve self-reliance, the GAF was also utilising internal expertise.
“We are now handling our own travel and tour requirements and will extend this approach to areas such as our bakeries, food processing and production environments,” he said.
According to Lt. Gen. Agyapong, several units have started farming and foraging programs with intentions to expand into crop cultivation to supplement food supply and lower the Forces’ food bill, freeing up funds for troop support and logistics.
He praised the Army Signal Brigade, the Training and Doctrine Command, and the Signal Training School for creating the GAF’s first significant tactical drone that could last three to four hours.
Regarding misinformation, Lt. Gen. Agyapong cautioned that the dissemination of inaccurate information constituted a grave danger to both internal unity and national stability.
Before posting claims, particularly on social media, he advised staff to rely on existing facts and training.
Some viral videos claiming that the Ghanaian government had received funds for peacekeeping missions were rejected by the CDS as untrue, calling them “palpable untruths” meant to incite fear and discontent.
He declared, “We must stand firm, remain discerning, and not allow misinformation to distract us from our mandate.”
Lt. Gen. Agyapong acknowledged the clergy for their spiritual support and thanked officers, soldiers, defence civilian employees, and their families for their sacrifices.
As they got ready for the upcoming year, he urged staff members to stay cohesive, disciplined, and firm in their faith.
Source: newsthemegh.com
