The Minister of Finance, in his opening remarks at the Ghana Armed Forces’ End of Year West African Soldiers’ Social Activities (WASSA), praised the dedication and professionalism of Ghana’s military personnel.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families, and reassured them of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare and living standards.
The Minister highlighted the government’s focus on addressing key welfare areas, including accommodation, healthcare, training, career progression, and general welfare, to enhance morale and operational effectiveness. He also noted efforts to address concerns of retirees and veterans, aiming for fair and sustainable solutions.
The event, attended by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, celebrated collective efforts and achievements over the past year. The Minister commended the Military High Command and personnel for their unwavering dedication and professionalism, emphasizing unity, discipline, and tradition within the Armed Forces.
Below is the full statement:
Opening Remarks at the Ghana Armed Forces’ End of Year West African Soldiers’ Social Activities (WASSA)
1. It is with great honour that I join you at this important gathering to mark another year of dedicated service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
2. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I warmly welcome all personnel and invited guests as we celebrate our collective efforts and achievements over the past year.
3. I express my profound gratitude to His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces for honouring this occasion with his presence.
4. Under your guidance, Mr. President, our nation continues to enjoy peace and steady progress across all sectors.
5. Your economic reset and commitment to good governance continue to anchor the hope and confidence of the Ghanaian people.
6. Mr. President, your leadership continues to inspire the Ghana Armed Forces to work towards a secure, stable, and prosperous Ghana.
7. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support, which has strengthened cooperation, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces.
8. As we gather to celebrate and reflect, we acknowledge the immense sacrifices and invaluable contributions of our gallant service personnel.
9. Through their dedication and resilience, Ghana remains strong and united in the face of both internal and external security challenges.
10. I wish to reassure our men and women in uniform, and the people of Ghana, that the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide clear strategic policy direction to keep the Ghana Armed Forces responsive, modern, and operationally ready.
11. The Ministry will further strengthen institutional capacity and align defence priorities with emerging security threats within our borders and across the subregion.
12. The wellbeing of our men and women in uniform remains a top priority of President Mahama’s administration.
13. Accordingly, Government will continue to take deliberate steps to improve personnel welfare and living standards.
14. Significant attention is being given to addressing key welfare areas, including:
• Accommodation
• Healthcare
• Training
• Career progression
• General welfare
15. These interventions are critical to enhancing morale, professionalism, and overall operational effectiveness within the Ghana Armed Forces.
16. Government recognises that welfare obligations extend beyond serving personnel to retirees and veterans who dedicated the prime of their lives to national service.
17. In this regard, the concerns of the 1995/96 year group and over-aged retirees are receiving serious Government attention through constructive engagements aimed at fair, compassionate, and sustainable solutions.
18. As we celebrate this WASSA, let us be reminded of the unity, discipline, and tradition that bind us together as one Armed Forces family.
19. I once again commend the Military High Command and all personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces for your unwavering dedication and professionalism.
20. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, I thank you for your service and sacrifice.
God bless the Ghana Armed Forces.
God bless our dear nation, Ghana.
