The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is calling on all ranks of the Forces to remain focused, steadfast and impartial during the December 7 polls.

Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje said the military men and women should also resist every temptation to dabble in activities for which the military is not constitutionally mandated.

He stated though Ghana has been described as the oasis of peace and stability in the West African sub-region, the lingering northern conflict, chieftaincy and land disputes, natural and man-made disasters, piracy, terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, galamsey, nomadic herdsmen issues, electoral security and other security related issues bordering on Ghana’s oil find continue to pose security challenges to us.

“Let us all continue to pledge to do our very best towards the maintenance of peace and security in this country in the face of all these challenges”, he added.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje also used the opportunity to inform all ranks that the GAF will continue to intensify the drive at improving its human resource base both qualitatively and quantitatively.

He said, “Our current recruitment, enlistment and special medical intake exercises attest to this.”

He further revealed that it is also the focus of higher command to adopt pragmatic and human-centered policies that will address the welfare needs of service personnel and family.

Air Marshal Samson-Oje cited an example of the recent increase in the operational leave, uniform and ration allowances by His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama.

He also assured all ranks that continuous effort will be made by the high command to improve logistics so as to enhance the operational output of GAF as well as to further improve morale.

All ranks were also informed of 110 troop carrying vehicles which have been received from Korea and other substantial equipment procured to improve the state contingent own equipment for Ghanaian troops deployed in peacekeeping operations.

Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje made this call at the closing ceremony of this year’s Ghana Armed Forces Inter service Shooting Competition.

The inter-service shooting competition, code named, exercise Fire blast 2016, took place last week at Yaohima Military Range in Sunyani, in the Brong Ahafo Region, with the Ghana Army emerging as the overall winner.

During the three-day event, officers, men and women of the three services engaged in keen competition within the bounds of healthy rivalry.

They exhibited to all present ample determination, very high morale, tolerance, sportsmanship, dedication, professionalism with special skills and enthusiasm.

According to the CDS, that led to the achievement of the aims and the objectives of the competition, which are individual weapon handling skills enhancement, with team spirit built as well as spirit de corps highly promoted.

At the end of the shooting competition, Ghana Army took the overall best team and received cash prizes from the CDS as well as a trophy and certificate.

The Air Force came second and also received a trophy with the Ghana Navy securing the third position.

Sgt Koli Appiah Emmanuel of the Ghana Army was adjudged the overall best male, and he received a cash amount of GH¢1000 and promoted to the rank of S/Sgt by the CDS in addition to a plaque and medals.

Corporal Opare Yaa Grace also of the Ghana Army was adjudged the overall best female and she received a cash amount of GH¢1000 from the CDS in addition to a plaque and medals.

The Ghana Air Force won the best team awards in the M16 Rifle Shoot and the Pistol Taurus Shoot while the Ghana Army won the M16 Carbine and Falling Plates best team awards.

The shooting competition was graced by a lot of dignitaries including Hon Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional minister, Maj. Gen. O.B Akwa, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Rear Admiral Peter Faidoo, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Air Vice Marshal M. Mantserbi-Tei Nagai, Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

Also present were Brig. Gen. Musah Whajah (GOC), Southern Command, Brig. Gen. B.S Alloh (GOC) Northern Command, Brig. Gen. Augustine Komla Boimah (Commandant  ATRAC)  and other Staff and Senior officer as well as the Chief of Yaohema Nana Ansu Ababio I and his entourage.