Michael Boateng
13 November 2009
The General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Chris Kwadwo Ocran, has called for the need of a high level of military professionalism to meet the security challenges currently facing the world.
Brig. Gen. Chris Ocran made the call during the opening of an annual Inter-Services Shooting Competition at the Yawhima range in Sunyani. The competition aims at improving the marksmanship and potentials of the troops, and also doubles as training for the Ghana Armed Forces, as it is necessary if the military should be able to perfectly perform its constitutional role.
The General Officer Commanding Northern Command noted that the skillful use of weapons to achieve results, and at the same time reduce accidents, was imperative, since the military was fully involved in the challenges of armed robberies, communal violence, and cross-border crimes.
He explained that the military was involved in civil operations by way of Operation CALMLIFE, Gongong, Hunter, and Sit Down Look, among others.
According to the Brig. General, the participation of the Air Force and the Navy in the competition was prudent, because apart from the core jobs of policing the sea and air, they also assist in internal security operations, and beef up the strength of the infantry on international operations.
He indicated that testing the skills of the army on the use of primary weapons like the various rifles and pistols, and to improve esprit de corps was necessary, since those weapons are for personal and barracks protection, therefore the tri-service nature of the exercise was necessary.
Brig. General Ocran stressed that the event was important to the Ghana Armed Forces, because it facilitates joint training, which provides the opportunity for personnel to acquaint themselves with the workings, processes and procedures of other services, and also offers the opportunity for making good friends and develop healthy rivalry.
He cautioned against any acrimony and underhand dealings or cheating, since it was a forum to test not only skills, but the moral and ethical values of fairness, good sportsmanship and brotherliness.
In another development, a parade of contingents of security agencies was held in remembrance of the gallant veterans of the world wars.
The contingents included the military, police, fire service, prisons service, immigration, the Custom Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and some veterans, who displayed some splendid drills to the admiration of the audience.
Wreaths were laid in honour of the gallant veterans, with the Regional Minister, Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, laying one on behalf of the government.
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