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 Change is one main phenomenon under the sun that is constant. The recent changes at the High Command level of the Ghana Armed Forces have introduced a new team to steer the affairs of the Armed Forces, with me as your Chief of the Defence Staff.
I have no doubt that I can count on your loyalty, dedication to duty and team spirit at all times, so that together we can reposition the Armed Forces to the appropriate levels of operational readiness for our constitutional responsibilities.
So far I recognize that we have in the past successfully carried out our tasks such as,
• Our deployment for peacekeeping in several international theatres, as well as internal security operations such as OPERATION CALM LIFE that has reduced the incidence of armed robbery in our country.
• Our participation in the recent elections that ended after three rounds, the success of which has been acclaimed worldwide. The country held together during those tense moments, mainly due to the professionalism displayed by the Armed Forces and other Security Services.
I believe that we must build on the prevailing good standards and move the Ghana Armed Forces to a higher level. I therefore intend to outline my vision and objectives. These will guide the Ghana Armed Forces for the coming months.
My vision is to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces is a well motivated, cohesive and formidable joint force, with the capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities; a force built on the bedrock of military values and traditions exemplified daily by troops and a force highly regarded at home and abroad.
My main objectives are,
• To improve operational readiness through adequate training and provision of appropriate equipment.
• To improve the human resource capacity in order to bolster our effectiveness in internal and external operations.
• To promote adherence to rule of law, human rights and good civil-military relations.
• To provide for the well being of soldiers, sailors, airmen and women through improved logistics and welfare programmes.
• To actively support civil authority in combating crime to enhance an enabling environment for socio-economic development.
All of us must work hard to turn this vision and objectives into a clear strategy to improve the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces. What we want to achieve and sustain is a contended and professional Armed Forces with an excellent image that the nation at large will be proud of at all times.
In that regard,
• I expect that security consciousness would be uppermost in our minds and reflect in all that we do, in barracks, offices and the field.
• I expect a display of professionalism in all we do. Military values and traditions must be respected at all times. Along with that is a winning spirit and our being results-oriented in all our undertakings.
• I expect full cooperation from all and that the appropriate laid down channels of command and communication would be followed.
• I expect that we take good care of things entrusted to us. In times of scarce resources, it is vital that waste be avoided.
• I expect that as we work hard, we should also have some recreation. Therefore, those responsible for welfare, sports and games should develop programmes to that effect.
• Any material constraints should not be the excuse for slacking. High Command in consultation with the Ministry and Government will do all that is possible to provide the resources and tools for you and with God being our helper, we shall succeed in moving our Armed Forces forward.
(Signed)
PA BLAY
Major General
Chief of the Defence Staff
Ghana Armed Forces
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