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COAS Commissions 200-Bed Dormitory Accommodation Block at Bundase

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, has commissioned a 200-Bed Dormitory Accommodation Block for the Army Peacekeeping Operations School (APOTS) at the Battle Training Camp, Bundase on Thursday, 13 March 2025. The commissioning of the facility was part of the COAS’ visit to APOTS to interact with personnel of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Ghana Battalion 4 (GHANBATT 4) and Ghana Level II Plus Medical Unit (GHANMED 4), who have completed their pre-deployment training.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Lt Gen Onwona emphasized the importance of providing a conducive environment for training, which is essential for enhancing the capability of the Army. He noted that this would come at a cost and against other competing demands. "This notwithstanding, we continue to make systematic efforts to address the logistical and housing needs of the Ghana Army and the Armed Forces generally to enhance our state of preparedness." he added .Lt Gen Onwona highlighted that the construction of the accommodation unit demonstrates the Army's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of personnel. He explained that the Army Headquarters, in consultation with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, proposed the construction of the 200-Bed block to accommodate officers during training. The project, which cost around USD200,000, was funded and undertaken by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi as part of their corporate social responsibility.The COAS encouraged the Commander APOTS, Col Ruben Klutse to ensure the maintenance of the building and assured AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi that the facility would be used for its intended purpose. He presented a plaque to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi as a token of appreciation and remembrance. Lt Gen Onwona also made a clarion call to other corporate entities to support the Army's projects.The Manager of Security Services at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, Mr Desmond Banahene, disclosed that the company is investing over USD 6 million to build Forward Operating Bases (FOB) for the military in Obuasi. He mentioned that some of these projects were already completed and in use by the military.In addition to commissioning the dormitory, Lt Gen Onwona also commissioned a block factory funded and built by APOTS to support infrastructure projects in the school.

He concluded his visit with an all-ranks durbar, where he urged troops to take their in-mission training seriously, be aware of their operational environment, and maintain discipline. He also advised them to desist from using opioids and to use their earned income wisely.   The COAS was accompanied by the Commander Army Training Command, Brigadier General Parbey, Deputy Chief Staff Officer (Policy and Plans), Brigadier General Yehuza Salifu and some principal staff officers of the Army Headquarters.