Two military officers of the Ghana Navy have died in two separate training exercises in Takoradi in the Western Region. The first accident occurred when one officer allegedly mistakenly shot the other with a live bullet during training a fortnight ago. The second casualty drowned during an individual swimming training session. Kweku Owusu Peprah of Radio Max in Takoradi reports that the first soldier, Dickson Amoah was flown to the 37 Military Hospital after he sustained gunshot wounds at a training session but died from excessive bleeding. The military authorities says investigations are underway to determine how the gun meant for training contained a live bullet. Head of Public Affairs at the military high command, Col. M'Bawine Atintande confirmed the deaths and explained that investigations were underway to determine the facts. He stated that in the case of the soldier who is said to have accidentally shot his colleague with a live bullet at a training session, he has since been taken off the training programme because his judgement on handling the weapon cannot be trusted but could not confirm if he is still at post or in military custody. On the soldier who drowned while swimming, Col. Atintande explained that the facts were not very clear and that a board of inquiry has been instituted to look into the matter. He said until the board of inquiry concludes its work they cannot comment on the issue any further. Col. Atindande explained that in the military, every soldier is ultimately responsible for his or her own safety even though the force takes the safety of its staff very seriously. He said the investigations will reveal what happened in both cases and if there are some loopholes in the safety net, the Armed Forces will tighten the nuts. Col. Atintande noted that the job of the armed forces is very risky and all men and officers are made aware of the risks involved. He however gave the assurance to families whose relatives are in the military that the Armed Forces will do all they can to protect them, adding that there is a need for all to know that when one joins the Armed Forces 'you have sworn to protect the state with your life'. Story by Derick Romeo Adogla/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana