Story: Nana Kofi Agyeman, 2 Garrison PR Detachment, Takoradi
Pictures: ACI Ankomah Robert Peters

Personnel of 2 Garrison gathered at the Pentecost Worship Centre, Air Force Base Takoradi on Sunday, 19 July 2026, for the Garrison's Mid-Year Religious Service aimed at promoting spiritual renewal, unity and camaraderie among personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Held under the theme, "The Lord Is My Shepherd," the service formed part of the vision of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, to strengthen esprit de corps and foster closer bonds among personnel of the Ghana Army, Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force through worship and fellowship.

Addressing the congregation, the 2 Garrison Commander and Base Commander of Air Force Base Takoradi, Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, described the theme as more than a biblical passage, noting that it represented a declaration of trust, a source of courage and a guide for military personnel in the discharge of their duties. He observed that although military service is often characterised by uncertainty and sacrifice, unwavering faith in God assures personnel of His guidance, protection and provision for their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Air Commodore Yirenkyi urged personnel to remain steadfast in their faith while upholding the core military values of discipline, professionalism and integrity. He also encouraged leaders at all levels to lead with humility, selflessness and integrity. Expressing his appreciation to the officers, soldiers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of 2 Garrison for their unwavering support during his tenure, he announced his reassignment to serve the nation in a diplomatic capacity in the Republic of South Africa.

Delivering the Christian exhortation, the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sekondi, His Eminence Right Reverend Colonel (Rtd) John Kwamena Otoo, emphasised the importance of cultivating a close relationship with God. He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces plays a critical role in national development and stressed that religious parades provide personnel with the opportunity to deepen their faith and draw spiritual strength for the demands of military service.

In the Islamic sermon, Imam Mohammed Sheriff Husain of the Takoradi Central Mosque commended the longstanding religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence enjoyed by Ghanaians and members of the Ghana Armed Forces. He encouraged personnel to remain obedient to the commandments of Allah, submit to His will and continue to uphold peace, love and mutual respect in their daily lives.

The service was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Logistics Command, Commodore Eric Osei, the Support Group Commander, Air Force Base Takoradi, Group Captain Ransford Odenkey Abbey, the Commanding Officer of 2 Battalion of Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Tetteh Nartey; the Acting Flying Group Commander, Wing Commander Archibald Nana Opoku, Senior Officers, Officers, Soldiers, Airmen, Airwomen, their spouses and Defence Civilian Staff.