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General News of Thursday, 23 January 2020

    

Source: Ivan Heathcote-Fumador, Contributor

Election 2020: 4BN declare readiness to keep peace, security in Ashanti Region

Some officers of the Ghana Armed Forces Some officers of the Ghana Armed Forces

The 4th Infantry Batallion of the Ghana Armed Forces has announced its readiness to deal swiftly and decisively with any election-related security challenges that may rare its head in the Ashanti Region.

As the country inches into the heated political season of campaigns, the troops have given firm assurance “no stone will be left unturned” in ensuring that politicking is conducted without violence and lawlessness.

The command made its resolve clear during its celebration of the West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) in Kumasi.

Addressing the WASSA; the Commander Real for the 4BN Lieutenant Colonel Kwasi Pepra noted that his men will measure up to the demands and anticipated security challenges of the 2020 electioneering year.

He noted that his men are battle-ready to play any supportive role required of them to maintain law and order before during and after this year’s national elections.

We all know the tensions

“Our primary commitment to ensuring that peace and security prevail in the Asanti region as part of the greater professional Ghana Army has been paramount. The 4BN will leave no stone unturned to assist in the maintaining of peace and security in the region especially before, during and after the general elections this year,” he charged.

The guest speaker, the General Officer Commanding of the Central Command, Brigadier General Joseph Aphour commended the unit for its discipline and the self-help projects embarked on over the past year under review.



He, however, admonished that aside the need for fairness during election-related operations; soldiers need to be minded of the politically volatile nature of the Ashanti Region and learn to handle civilians with tact.

The GOC admonished, “We all know the tensions of electioneering campaigns especially with the Ashanti Region. I must emphasize that as you remain fair and firm in dealing with any group or political party, you should also be mindful of your handling of the civilian."

The West Africa Soldiers Social activity which dates back to the colonial era of the Royal West African Frontier Force is usually a time for reflecting on a hard job done over the year, organising competitions and making merry.

It constitutes a major event on the calendar of West African forces where soldiers fraternize with their families and friends in a social atmosphere.

The barracks was lit with revelry and a series of activities to demonstrate the strength and swift manoeuvres of the troops.

Some hardworking soldiers were also recognized and honoured for their distinguished efforts, to whip up morale in the camp.