President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Army will participate in the government’s Big Push road construction projects across the country as part of efforts to increase internally generated funds for the Ghana Armed Forces.
The President disclosed on Friday that he has discussed with the Chief of Defense Staff and is coordinating with the Road Ministry and the Ministry of Finance to enable the military engineers to undertake road construction work and earn revenue for the Armed Forces.
“In order to increase the internally generated funds of the Ghana Armed Forces, we are discussing with the Road Ministry and the Ministry of Finance so that the 48th Engineers Regiment and the Ghana Army can participate in the Big Push projects that we are implementing across the country,” President Mahama stated during the West African Soldiers’ Social Activity at Burma Camp.
He revealed that government will allocate some of the drip equipment imported under the last administration to the 48th Engineers Regiment to enable them to participate in road construction and earn money for the Armed Forces.
The initiative represents a strategic approach to enhancing the financial sustainability of the military while leveraging their technical capacity in infrastructure development.
President Mahama also announced that two forward operating bases in the northern part of the country are ready for commissioning, with adequate funding allocated in this year’s budget to complete another four forward operating bases before the end of the year.
These facilities will serve as the first line of defense against any infiltration and extremist threats against the country, while enhancing readiness, logistics support, and rapid response capabilities.
The President disclosed that a board of inquiry has been established to investigate the stampede incident at Elwak Stadium during the recent recruitment exercise that resulted in deaths and injuries.
“Let me once again express our nation’s deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of our youth who died in the stampede at Elwak Stadium during the recent recruitment exercise. May their souls find peaceful repose in heaven, and for those who were injured in the exercise, I wish them a speedy recovery,” he stated.
He noted that the military high command established the board of inquiry to investigate the event and make recommendations to prevent any similar occurrence in future, adding that government awaits the final report.
On welfare initiatives, President Mahama announced that the National Security Secretariat will provide seed money for the proposed mutual health fund for service personnel and their families, which will improve access to healthcare and financial security.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, President Mahama congratulated Corporal Jeremy Latin on his promotion following his victory in the WABA Africa Super Lightweight category boxing championship. “I personally was at the ringside, he really gave the Filipino a bad beating,” the President remarked.
He also recognized Leading Seaman Akuto Sarah Precious of the Ghana Navy for her promotion following her remarkable three-kilometer open water swim to raise awareness and funds for children with special needs. “Her courage and selflessness exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces and I congratulate her on her promotion,” President Mahama stated.
The President commended the collective efforts of the Armed Forces under Operation Gong Gong and Operation Maida buuri in Bawku and its environs, noting that their professional conduct during these operations has contributed to the relative calm being witnessed in these areas.
He assured that government remains fully committed to consolidating these gains and will continue to work closely with the security services, traditional authorities, and local communities to secure lasting peace in Boko and throughout other affected areas.
President Mahama also praised the Ghana Armed Forces for their role in supporting government’s actions against illegal small-scale mining, including the training and deployment of river guards, the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, and the creation of special courts to prosecute suspects.
The President noted that Ghana’s security environment remains generally peaceful, notwithstanding isolated pockets of insecurity and conflict in areas such as Boko, Alabanyo, Nkonya, Nkwanta, and Nantong, attributing this to the professionalism, discipline, and sacrifice of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.