He said the government would continue to provide the necessary logistics to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. 

He said ongoing military and police activities, such as operations Calm Life, Cow Leg and Vanguard, geared towards curbing the activities of nomadic herdsmen and galamsey operators would also continue to receive special attention to ensure their success.

Appreciation

President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance in a speech read on his behalf by the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at the celebratory event marking the 2017 General Headquarters West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Burma Camp in Accra last Wednesday.

“The government and the people of Ghana continue to pay tribute and cherish the sacrifices that the Ghana Armed Forces are making to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes through joint patrols with the Ghana Police Service.

“Your continued efforts in keeping our borders safe and your response to natural disasters, protecting our maritime domain and air space and providing health services for many Ghanaians are all greatly appreciated,” the President said.

Professional competence

He said he had faith in the professional competence of the servicemen and would continue to support them in their operations to ensure that objectives set were achieved.

He said based upon the advice of the National Security Minister, Operation Calm Life was re-launched in the latter part of last year and charged with an additional mandate to curb the activities of violent land guards.

“Following the re-launch, the government provided 200 brand- new Toyota Pick-up vehicles for the operation and I wish to assure you that additional vehicles and other logistical support will be provided to ensure the operation is successful,” he said.

Commendation

President Akufo-Addo commended the military for ongoing efforts to deal with the issue involving nomadic herdsmen, particularly in the Agogo and Drobonso areas, where there are reports of looting and other anti-social behaviour.

He served notice to all troublemakers that the law would catch up with them.

“I wish to advise criminal groups, those who degrade the environment and others whose activities pose a security threat to our country that opportunities exist for them to channel their energies into more productive and rewarding ventures,” he added.

He expressed the nation’s condolences to the families of the men and women who had lost their lives while discharging their duty of protecting the state and pledged the full might of the state in bringing the perpetrators to book.

Patience

The President applauded the military for its patience in allowing the due processes of the law to take its course when Major Maxwell Mahama was murdered in May last year.

“The perpetrators of the heinous act are currently on trial and there are ongoing programmes being run by various state agencies and non-governmental organisations educating the populace not to mete out ‘mob justice’ to persons they suspected of a crime.

“I also recall the recent murder of Sergeant George Boakye and I assure you that the Police Service is investigating the matter in order to bring the culprits to book,” he said.

 President Akufo-Addo further recollected the death of two policemen and injury to five soldiers who were on duty with Operation Cow Leg in Agogo in the Ashanti Region.

“My deepest condolences go to the families of the deceased and speedy recovery to the injured. Ghana is grateful for your sacrifices and we will ensure that the perpetrators are made to face the full force of the law,” he added