I am committed to resolving your challenges – Western Regional Minister assures 2nd Infantry Battalion
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has engaged with the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Takoradi.
This visit was part of a familiarization tour aimed at acquainting himself with the army’s working environment, operations, and challenges.
During the briefing on February 19, Lt. Col Enn Osae, the 34th Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, shared the unit’s rich history, dating back to August 1901 when it was established as the Gold Coast Regiment.
He also outlined the unit’s core mandate, operational tactics, ongoing projects, and current challenges.
Notably, the 2nd Infantry Battalion is responsible for internal operations in Ghana, with a growing focus on the Western Region and Western North Region.
To enhance their operational effectiveness, the unit is divided into four sectors.
Minister Nelson’s visit demonstrates his commitment to understanding the army’s role in maintaining regional security, particularly as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
Ongoing projects
The unit, he underscored currently has a multi-purpose building project for an archived room. The unit, also has an ongoing accommodation project being supported through a Chinese grant
He said the accommodation involves a 28 two-bedroom facility located at abattoir. Aside that, he mentioned the construction of an event centre to house a number of functional departments including a gymnastics centre.
Challenges
In terms of challenges, the Commander mentioned poor state of barracks roads, dysfunctional sewerage lines in the barracks, and encroachment on unit lands.
To the extent that the training range of the unit, he emphasised, has been encroached. Inadequate vehicles to respond to emergencies he said also forms part of the challenges. Inadequate water supply from Ghana water company, amongst others.
Responding to the briefings, Mr Joseph Nelson said he was indeed appreciative of the presentation carried out by the Commander.
He assured the unit of his commitment to work closely with them in addressing many of the challenges outlined.
As usual, the Minister did not mince words in reminding the unit about his commitment to fight against illegal mining.
He advised the unit to select officers who would do away with love for money and apply discipline to themselves during the next wave of operations to deal with illegal mining activities in the region.
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