Speaking at the commissioning and handing over of the refurbished 2-Provost Detachment office in Takoradi and a newly built accommodation by Ghana Gas, the Military Police Commanding Officer at the Tommy Barracks, Captain Monica Yiribokeya, said the years of little renovation of the old structures were problematic for personnel and affected their use of the facility.
“This facility was previously occupied by the border guards during the early post-independent period and later handed over to the two provost detachments. Since the detachment took over this facility, it has not seen any significant renovation. Therefore, adverse weather and engineering defects left deep cracks in the building, resulting in its gradual deterioration and making it an unconducive working environment for personnel. These bad conditions have, on numerous occasions, compelled personnel to either evacuate or prematurely conclude their work, particularly during rainfall,” she said.
Captain Monica Yiribokeya, however, expressed appreciation for Ghana Gas’ decision to refurbish the 1962-built offices that have seen little renovation over the years and the new accommodation.
“I’m delighted to assert that the 2 Proposed detachment now stands as one of the world’s established detachments within the Ghana Armed Forces. Several organizations, including the Bank of Ghana, Adamus Mining Company, Ghana Port and Harbor Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority, and the Volta Aluminum Company Limited, provided us with financial assistance to acquire essential office items for the detachment.”
“Ghana Gas company went above and beyond by renovating the remaining areas of the office and creating a new accommodation for the detachment warrant officer. I would like to thank Mr. Stephen Donkor, Managing Director, Ghana Gas, who spearheaded the sponsorship for this project. I’m particularly grateful to Dr. Ben Asante, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gas Company Limited. With the completion of the detachment office and accommodation, we have been able to create a conducive working environment by acquiring the necessary equipment,” she noted.
Captain Monica Yiribokeya further added that the completed accommodation came with facilities including a workstation for the general office, assorted furniture, CCTV cameras, wireless internet facilities, and fully furnished accommodation for the detachment warrant officer and water storage facilities.
The Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Manager at Ghana Gas, Stephen Donkoh, also speaking at the handing over of the refurbished offices and completed accommodation, commended the Military Police Command for judiciously using the resources made available to them for the project.
“On behalf of Ghana Gas, my CEO, the board, and management, we thank you for also utilizing the money that was given to you. We have the conviction that those that are coming later after you are definitely going to do what we have done today,” he advised.
He noted that the support from Ghana Gas is in line with a commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibilities, which the military is so critical, hence the CEO multiplied the support.
“The military is one of the revered institutions we have in Ghana. That is the only institution all of us can put our chest out and say yes, we have them, so if this is what you are requesting, then I’m multiplying it ten times to make sure that you will be able to fulfil the project,” he said.
The Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Manager at Ghana Gas also highlighted other CSR projects Ghana Gas has undertaken.
“Our CSR is based on five thematic areas: Education, Health, Sports, Water and Sanitation, and Community Developments, again we have skills training as well. For the past 7 years, per our records, I can say we have built about 239 educational facilities. At the same time, we have given 200 scholarships to students who are pursuing tertiary education. When you come to health, we put up about 24 CHIPS compounds and renovated health facilities. The key among them is what we’re currently doing at Anyinase in the Ellembelle district. The facility that is going to cost about U$ 2.65 million,” he mentioned.
Also present at the commissioning were the Flag Officer Commanding, Commander Flying Group Airforce Base Takoradi, the Provost Marshal, Commanding Officer 2 Battalion of Infantry, the Commanding Officer Ghana Military Police, and Senior Officers