Hundreds of personnel drawn from Ghana’s security services on Tuesday embarked on a joint dawn route march through some principal streets of Accra as part of efforts to test their operational preparedness and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
The exercise involved officers from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The personnel assembled at the El-Wak Sports Stadium at about 4:00 am before marching through areas including 37, Kawukudi, Pig Farm, Mamobi, Nima, Kanda, Sakara, and the Flagstaff House, and then returned to the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
The route march, popularly known as a “dawn route march,” forms part of an annual joint exercise programme organised by the various security services and led by the Ghana Armed Forces.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing physical fitness, testing response readiness, and promoting unity among the security agencies.
Speaking to TV3 during the walk, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyepong, who participated in the march, said the nature of security threats facing the country has evolved, making continuous joint training and collaboration among the security services more critical than ever.
According to him, sustained inter-agency exercises are necessary to ensure the protection of Ghana’s territorial integrity and national security.
Lieutenant General Agyepong also wished all personnel a happy New Year and expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in the current security leadership.
He assured the President and the people of Ghana of the security services’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation.
Also present among the military high command was the Chief of the Naval Staff, who participated in the entire march. He encouraged the public to continue supporting the military and other security services, stressing that such support is vital for the successful execution of their mandate.
For his part, the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, underscored the importance of mutual trust and cooperation among the various security services. He commended the heads of the security agencies for their professionalism and loyalty to the state.
Dr. Forson further assured the personnel that the government has initiated a comprehensive retooling drive aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of all security services.
He took the opportunity to wish both the personnel and the general public a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Later, the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mutaka Mubarak, joined the personnel at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, where he motivated them and assured them of a better year ahead, particularly in areas relating to salaries and accommodation for security personnel.
Security officers in Ashanti Region urged to wear uniforms to 31st December night activities
By Joseph Armstrong
