Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress NDC, John Mahama who solicited for ideas and policies directions from interest groups and institutions has made laudable promises for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
John Mahama has pledged in the NDC’s 2020 manifesto dubbed the “People’s Manifesto”, to aggressively implement policies for the Army that will help them perform their assigned roles and responsibilities with professional excellence.
He promises to:
a. aggressively resource the Ghana Armed Forces to improve their operational and combat readiness, swift mobilization and firepower
b. depoliticise the Ghana Armed Forces, restore discipline, loyalty to the State and establish mechanisms for transparency and meritocracy as the basis for all promotions in the Ghana Armed Forces
c. encourage and expand the opportunities for non-commissioned officers (Other Ranks) to access officer cadet training, where appropriate
d. construct housing units for the Ghana Armed Forces and refurbish dilapidated and abandoned housing units across the country
e. systematically review salaries and allowances of troops and civilian employees upwards, to fall in line with economic trends in the country
f. upgrade retirement benefits of personnel in consonance with realistic prevailing economic trends
g. expand and improve accommodation for all ranks
h. establish Armed Forces Home Ownership Schemes for all personnel and officers
i. complete and equip the Kumasi Military Hospital (Afari) in the Central Command as a matter of urgency
j. build a military hospital at Ho, Bolgatanga and Sefwi Wiawso
k. build a Veterans’ Referral Hospital at a suitable location in Accra
l. revamp the defence industry to produce clothing, boots and accessories for the GAF and other Security Services
m. establish Armed Forces Agribusiness and Processing Units and enlist suitably qualified Ghanaians
n. expand and equip the Field Engineers Corps to undertake national emergency projects, road construction and be licensed to undertake commercial ventures of the Ghana Government
External Peace Keeping
The next NDC Government will:
a. streamline peace-keeping operations in accordance with UN mandatory requirements and transparent personnel selection
b. expand the inclusion of civilian employees from the units of the armed forces for peace-keeping operations
c. use peace-keeping operations as a major source of youth employment and the earning of foreign exchange
d. increase the security allowance given to security personnel for peace-keeping activities.
These game-changing policies will not only transform our Armed Forces into the enviable status they will forever appreciate but shall put them on the globe.
Filed By : Agaatorne Douglas Asaah / awakenewsroom.com