GHANA NAVY to be well resourced (DAILY GRAPHIC MON AUG 24, 2009) PAGE 29

Story: Della Russel Ocloo, Tema
GOVERNMENT’s plans are far advanced in procuring a new ship and adequate logistics for the Ghana Navy to enable the service carry out its operations effectively.
Mr Kempes Ofosuware, Metro Chief Executive of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly made this known at the passing out parade of one hundred recruits at the Basic and Leadership training school at Tema.
The recruits made up of fifty seven female and fourty three male underwent three months of standard military training and four months of basic naval training where they were rudiments in military law, ship husbandry, boat works, field craft, map reading, first aid among others.
Mr Ofosuware charged military personnel not to use their uniforms to condone wrongdoers but rather exploit extra opportunities to enhance their professional ability.
He noted the recruits has joined the Navy at the appropriate time following the discovery of oil in the country where they as stakeholders have an important and significant role to play on the oil fields in protecting the country’s resources; and as government strives to support the navy as an entity, I humbly appeal to you “to complement this gesture by taking very good care of these capital-intensive ships that would be procured through the display of highest form of professionalism”, Mr Ofosuware remarked.
He however warned them against indulging in illegal activities regarding to the oil find that would leave a negative repercussions on the country’s economic development and this he warned government would be tough on officers found culparable.
He also advised the recruits build lasting relationship with civilians who are the major stakeholders in the services they provide to the nation. “Don’t see them as foes, rather establish and maintain very good civil-military relationship with them, as it is their tax that sees makes a meaning to your life” he noted.
The commanding officer of the basic leadership training school, Lt Kwasi Kyeremanteng Donkor who administered the oath of allegiance to the recruits charged then to live above reproach in their chosen profession as they strive to defend the nation at the peril of their live.
He indicated joining the navy is like a calling which mandates individual officers and recruits to adhere to the rules and regulations that governs the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces and warned the service would not condoned wrong doers who flouts its mandated set of laws.
Lt Donkor express regret at recent negative media reportage on activities of some unscrupulous personnel who have engage in despicable activities thereby tarnishing the image of the service and charged recruits to go all out and make good impressions about the service that would keep steadfast the oath of allegiance you make today, he remarked.
Awards ranging from best in academics, weapon handling, drill, physical training were presented to recruits who excelled in the above mentioned areas.
Recruits Richard Antwi won the best in academics whilst Happy Delight Abajongawo was adjudged the overall best recruit.