President Nana Akufo-Addo has presented 40 Jeep J8 vehicles, six Toyota Hi-ace minibuses and 14 Toyota Hilux pick-ups to the Ghana Armed Forces.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the vehicles will help the Army to contain the security threats posed by extremist groups operating along Ghana’s northern borders. It will also help them deal better with internal security challenges.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, the President noted that these 60 vehicles are to complement the 73 armoured personnel carriers, 41 Toyota vehicles, three water tankers, a self-loading recovery truck, a refrigeration van, and five utility vehicles for waste disposal and management, he presented on December 5, 2019, and March 31, 2021.
He told the gathering that Government is constantly apprised of the needs of the Armed Forces, and as Commander-in-Chief, he is taking steps to ensure that they are met.
We recognise that our vision of ensuring equitable distribution of development, progress and prosperity to all parts of the country can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and security.
“We are determined to continue in this vein and satisfy the legitimate demands of the Armed Forces,” he said.
He continued, “there is no doubt that your success in providing the needed all-round security in the country has been made possible through your vigilance and sacrifices, notwithstanding the modest resources with which you have to work. Ghana is forever indebted to you.”
Before presenting the vehicles, President Akufo-Addo drove through the Ghana Military Academy Infrastructure Upgrade project site and expressed delight that the project has progressed significantly since he cut the sod for its commencement on July 4, 2019.
The Cadet Mess, the Square and lecture rooms are completed. The Administration Block is 95% complete, and the contractor is in the final stages of completing the external works.
The 246 capacity Cadet Hostel and Platoon Commander’s Block are 65% complete.
However, a number of social media commentators have said the gesture of Akufo Addo is grounded on fears knowing what has been happening to other Presidents in West Africa.
There have been a number of Coup Detat in other west African countries namely Sudan, Mali, Guinea among others.
With the hardship in Ghana and how wasteful Akufo Addo has been, many are those living with fears similar situation could happen in Ghana with the military seizing power.
