As part of measures to improve the military’s internally generated funds, President John Mahama has said that the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme will now include the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the 48 Engineers Regiment.
The president assured that the action is meant to allow the Armed Forces, notably the 48 Engineers Regiment, to actively engage in national development programmes while also raising funds to support their operations.
President Mahama made the announcement at the conclusion of the Ghana Armed Forces’ year-end West African Social Activities (WASSA), which took place in front of the GAF’s Public Relations Department at Burma Camp.
“I’ve discussed this with the Chief of Defense Staff. To boost the internally generated funds of the Ghana Armed Forces, we are working with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance so that the 48 Engineers Regiment and the Ghana Army may take part in the Big Push projects that we are carrying out throughout the nation, the President stated.
Additionally, he stated that the 48 Engineers Regiment will be given access to the machinery brought in under the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) during the previous government to help them participate in road construction initiatives.
“We shall assign the DRIP equipment that were imported under the last administration to the 48 Engineers Regiment so that you can also participate in road construction and earn money for the Armed Forces,” President Mahama said.
The programme, according to the President, will not only enhance the military’s operational capabilities but will also increase its contribution to national development while securing long-term financial support for its operations.
As part of initiatives to enhance the well-being of military members and upgrade barrack infrastructure, President Mahama also broke ground for a new housing complex for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The project is a component of a larger barracks regeneration strategy focused on upgrading residential units at Burma Camp.The proposal calls for the replacement of existing low-rise structures with high-rise residential buildings, which is anticipated to liberate more than half of the current land area inside the camp.
The project is anticipated to begin with a self-help fundraising drive in April of this year, which will contribute to the construction of the first 200 residential apartments at Burma Camp.
President Mahama also gave a fleet of vehicles to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve their operational capabilities as part of the event. Pickup trucks, buses, and Land Cruisers were among the vehicles.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Finance Minister and Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka; and the Chief of Defense Staff, Major General William Agyapong.
