A demonstration exercise code-named “EX-BRIDGET” was held at the Liberation Barracks in Sunyani on Monday to prepare security agencies in the Brong-Ahafo Region for the December elections.
The exercise was also aimed at helping to strengthen the existing links between sister security agencies.
Teams from the Police, Army, Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Prisons participated in the demonstration drill on how to control crowd situations.
The celebration of the Third Garrison day was under the theme: “Security Agencies and the Electoral Process of 2012” also formed part of the armed forces initiative to take internal security to higher level.
Lieutenant-Colonel Cornelius Kobla Lithur, Third Garrison Commander, said the celebration of the Third Garrison Day to be marked annually every April 30, formed part of activities to hold themselves in readiness for the election.
He acknowledged the task ahead of them in supporting the police in their duties this year, “so we have been training jointly with them and all the other security agencies in the region”.
Lieutenant General Peter Augustine Blay, Chief of Defence Staff, cautioned the soldiers against engaging in any activities that would tarnish the image of the security services.
He appealed to them to approach their duties with impartiality, professionalism, maturity and to have the interest of the nation at heart.
“Let us elevate ourselves above any detraction and focus on our mission to secure the nation for all citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear and hindrance”.
He expressed confidence in the officers and men, saying that they would be able to surmount all challenges and support civil authority to sustain the peace the country currently enjoyed throughout the elections and beyond, although “this year’s, will no doubt be challenging especially for us in the security services”.
Mr. George Gyabaah, Regional Director, Electoral Commission, commended the media, politicians, the security services and other stakeholders for their role in managing the successful conduct of previous elections.
He urged the security agencies to be loyal to the state and not to any particular political party, to make the electoral process successful.**
Source: GhanaWeb
