Brigadier General Daniel Kweku Mishio, Director General (Joint Operation) of the Ghana Armed Forces at the weekend reminded security personnel of their mandate under Chapter 17 of the Constitution to defend the nation. “In the light of the pro-democracy movements taking place, especially in North Africa and the Middle East as well as in other countries throughout the rest of the world, we as soldiers should be mindful of Chapter 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which gives us the Constitutional mandate to defend the nation and undertake any other functions for the development of Ghana as the President may determine,” Gen Mishio stated at a lecture for security services. The lecture was organised by the National Commission for Civic Education as part of the 11th Annual Constitution week commemoration, which is on the general theme: “The State of Ghana’s Democracy 2011”. Brig. Gen. Mishio also reminded soldiers of their responsibility to defend the image of the Ghana Armed Forces, which is acclaimed world wide as one of the best organised, disciplined and operational minded force. “We all have a part to play in protecting our democracy - it’s important that we display the new image of the military to win the heart and mind of the civilian public. “Gone were the days when as a soldier you could not pass through Makola Market…they will spray urine on you but now the situation has changed, we have a very good relationship with the public, lets improve upon that,” Gen Mishio stated. Speaking on the theme: “The Role of the Ghana Armed Forces in Advancing Democracy in Ghana - Prospects and Deficits,” Major Jones Sarfo of the Ghana Armed Forces Legal Department, lauded the military’s contribution towards Ghana’s multi-party democracy. He said, “Irrespective of the challenges and seeming weaknesses of military rule, the GAF has contributed immensely towards shaping of the political landscape in our country, especially if it is viewed in the light of the politics of the 1980s leading up to the formal adoption of our 1992 Constitution, which marked the rebirth of democracy in Ghana. “Having gone through the unique experiences with military interventions, it will best serve our interest as a people to give a timely reminder of the pressing need for the military as well as other key institutions of state to adapt to the new realities of constitutionalism. “….Lest the legacies of military intervention and militarised politics undermines Ghana’s democratic processes and rule from the grave”. Major Sarfo said the transition from the military rule to modern democracy had led to declining legitimacy for military rule in Ghana. He said: “whether to prevent that recurrence of military rule and to help to maintain peace we enjoy in our country today largely depends on how we nourish the strategic culture. “The military and the civil society must have mutual regard for each other and maintain a constant interface in the form of interactions between the two sub-cultures. “The era of great suspicion between the two sub-cultures belong to history…there are significant and glaring indications that the military has fully accepted the status quo. “The acceptance of the civilian rule from my personal perspective has come to stay as the GAF as an institution is leaving no stone un-turn to ensure that the new political dispensation is protected to the hilt. “It is in the light of the patent commitment of the GAF to the democratisation process of our dear nation that one sees real prospects of a continued political environment free from military interventions”. Source: GNA/Ghana