Story: Corporal Ayim Prince (2 Garrison PR Detachment)

Pictures by ACI Ankomah Robert Peters

The Acting Forces Sergeant Major (FSM) of the Ghana Armed Forces, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Alhassan Zakaria, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting personnel welfare, discipline and professionalism during a familiarisation visit to 2 Garrison in Takoradi on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

The visit formed part of a series of familiarisation visits to various Garrisons across the country aimed at engaging personnel, understanding their concerns and discussing his role in supporting the vision and strategic objectives of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

As part of the visit, the Acting FSM and his delegation paid courtesy calls on the 2 Garrison Commander and Base Commander of Air Force Base Takoradi, Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono and the Commanding Officer of 2 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Philip Tetteh Nartey. The engagements underscored the importance of collaboration among the three Services in enhancing operational effectiveness and improving personnel welfare.

In appreciation of the visit, the various Commanders presented plaques to the Acting FSM and wished him success in his appointment and future endeavours.

Addressing personnel from the various units within the Garrison at the Ashley Larsen Hangar, Air Force Base Takoradi, MWO Zakaria stressed the need for all personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism. He cautioned troops against engaging in unlawful activities and urged them to exercise restraint and responsibility in the use of social media.

The Acting FSM further reiterated his commitment to championing the welfare of personnel and addressing concerns relating to healthcare and accommodation. He encouraged Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to continue mentoring younger personnel to preserve the core values, traditions and professional ethos of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Touching on administrative matters, MWO Zakaria highlighted the ongoing implementation of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 129 and urged personnel to remain patient and law-abiding as the necessary processes were being undertaken. He also encouraged troops to actively participate in the Ghana Armed Forces Trust Fund, describing it as an important initiative aimed at improving the welfare and long-term security of personnel and their families.

A major highlight of the visit was an interactive session during which personnel and Sergeant Majors had the opportunity to engage directly with the Acting FSM, seek clarification on issues affecting their service and share concerns relating to their work environment and welfare.

The Acting FSM was accompanied by a delegation comprising MWO Dogbatse Godson, FCPI Johnson Isaiah Chriss, SWOI Adotey David, WOI Prempeh Samuel, SWOII Yankey Maxwell, WOI Addico Dennis Teye and WOI Koranteng Prince.