The 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho was the center of attraction, as hundreds of school children and civil society groups in the region, visited the barracks to familiarise themselves with military activities, and learn more about weapons and mode of dressing.

The occasion did not only serve as an Open Day of the military establishment, but also deepened the relationship between the military and the civilian population in the region, as students and people who went to the barracks, were made to touch and feel the various weapons used by soldiers, they were also served food.

The public were educated on the decent way of dressing by soldiers, introduced to the different weapons used, and other military tactics adopted when dealing with an enemy.

They were schooled on the use of such weapons as 120 millimeter mortar, 107 millimeter rocket, 122 haulage pounder, and small arms among others.

Briefing the media, the Commander (Rear), Major Kingsley K. Afrifa, said the Open Day, which was observed at the various military establishments in the country, particularly at the 66 Artillery Regiment, was successful because of the high public patronage.

Major Afrifa pointed out that over 1,500 people would participate in the Open Day activities, noting that due to the improved civil and military relations over the years, the public were appreciative of the crucial role the military played in national development activities, adding that due to the positive development, many second cycle institutions in the region had applied for the establishment of cadets in their respective institutions.

The 66 Artillery Commander said his outfit was satisfied with the level of civil military relations achieved so far, saying a lot more needed to be done, due to the deep-rooted negative perception the public had about the military, and urged the people to see the military as partners in development, adding that the soldiers would at all times co-exist with civil society to protect and defend the territorial boundaries of the country.

"Soldiers should be seen by the public as friends, rather than enemies, because we are all human beings, and the only difference is the training and the uniform that we wear, which should not make us different from any other person, because our work is just in the interest of the public."