Accra, 5 Sept., President Jerry John Rawlings, today commissioned 46 new officers into the Ghana Armed Forces and said the military had a role to play in the economic battle in today’s competitive world of free market economies. He said the greatest battle faced by developing countries such as Ghana was that of accelerated and sustainable economic growth and urged the Armed Forces to maintain peace and stability which were necessary conditions for investment and a healthy economy. ”The military can also set an example to civilian society in the judicious and efficient use of available resources”. The new officers included four women, one of whom is the first female medical officer to be commissioned. The number is made up of 26 long service officers and 20 short service officers. Those on short service commission are mainly professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, engineers and administrators. The President, in full military ceremonial uniform, presented the Sword of Honour to the best over-all officer, 2nd Lieutenant George Dottey who commanded the parade. Lt. Comfort Asiedu, a pharmacist, picked the prize for the best all around officer for the short service commission, drawing prolonged applause from the thousands of spectators who packed the parade square to watch the graduation ceremony. Lt. Evelyn Abraham, the first medical officer to be in military uniform since the establishment of the Military Academy and Training School in April 1960, also proved herself at the firing range. She was awarded ”the highest shooting scores and best performance in Skill-at-Arms”. President Rawlings said: ”in my capacity as the Commander-In- Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, I hereby grant you, the graduating Officer Cadets, the Presidential Commission into the Ghana Armed Forces.
