"2024 is also an election year, and you will be expected to support the conduct of peaceful electionsOur success will largely depend on sound intelligence and total commitment to defend our country at all cost.

"Therefore, I urge all of you to keep your ears to the ground at all times and remain selfless and focused in the performance of your duties," he said.

Major General Oppong-Peprah said this in a speech read on his behalf by Brigadier General BB Owusu, Chief Staff Officer Army, at the end of year West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) at the Headquarters Southern Command, Ghana Army.

The occasion offered an opportunity for the personnel to interact with each other, take stock of the passing year and plan for the future.

It was also used to award hardworking military and defence civilian staff of the Command, who exhibited extraordinary work ethic in the past year.

"If the level of commitment and loyalty that you have demonstrated over the year is anything to go by, then I am sure that we shall be successful in the conduct of our duties in the coming year as well," he said.

Major General Oppong-Peprah noted that a lot would be expected of the Army in 2024 in the area of Internal Security Operations such as the Operation HALT II, to stop illegal miners, who were degrading the environment in many parts of the country.

He commended the military leadership for the commitment shown towards the spiritual welfare of all ranks through the conduct of Non-Denominational Religious Services and weekly Padre Hours.

He admonished them to stay strong in their respective religious faith, love their neighbour, trust and obey all leaders, and hold their friends close and stand up for loved ones.

Brigadier General Samuel Yeboah Asare, the General Officer Commanding of the Headquarters Southern Command, urged the command to continue to be disciplined and fearless in the discharge of all duties.

"Avoid illegal one-man operations, and other activities and habits that will land you in trouble.

"I also charge you all to join in the crusade to strengthen civil-military cooperation and to foster better relations with other sister security agencies" he added