By Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Nutekpor
Three hundred and forty-six recruits of the Ghana Navy’s Basic Training Batch 85 have passed out at the Naval Recruit Training School (NRTS) of the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The recruits, comprising 254 males and 92 females, successfully completed months of rigorous physical training, academic instruction and character development to prepare them for service in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The passing-out parade formed part of a nationwide exercise in which more than 2,000 recruits of the Ghana Navy, Army and Air Force passed out concurrently.
Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, Commodore Godson K. Zowonoo (Rtd), former Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, congratulated the recruits and urged them to uphold discipline, integrity, professionalism and selfless service throughout their military careers. He reminded the recruits that their transition from civilian life into the military was not merely about wearing a uniform, but about accepting the responsibility and trust placed in them by the Republic of Ghana.
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Commodore Zowonoo said the Ghana Navy had an important responsibility to protect the country’s maritime interests, including its territorial waters, offshore resources, ports and harbours, fisheries and other maritime infrastructure.
He noted that the maritime environment continued to face complex security threats, including armed robbery at sea, piracy, smuggling, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, trafficking, maritime cybercrime and maritime terrorism. He therefore urged the new recruits to remain alert, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties. “When you put on this uniform, you carry with you the confidence and expectations of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
The former Western Naval Command Commander cautioned the recruits against complacency, corruption, drug abuse and any conduct that could bring the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces into disrepute. He urged them to be truthful in their reports, protect government property, respect the rights and dignity of civilians and colleagues, and never abuse their authority or the military uniform. “Remember that authority is given to you to serve, not to oppress,” he stressed.
Commodore Zowonoo further reminded the recruits that military service required sound judgment, mental alertness, courage, teamwork, respect for lawful authority and unwavering commitment to duty. He said this was particularly important in the Navy, where the safety of a ship, its crew and the success of a mission could depend on the actions of individual personnel.
He encouraged the recruits to develop the habit of doing the right thing even when nobody was watching, and to lead by example as they progressed through their careers.
The Reviewing Officer also commended the Commanding Officer and instructors of the Naval Recruit Training School for their dedication and professionalism in preparing the recruits for the realities of military service. He acknowledged the support and sacrifices of parents and families, and urged them to continue supporting the recruits as they proceeded to their respective units and establishments.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who addressed the parade on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, also congratulated the recruits for successfully completing their training. He said their graduation marked a significant transition in their lives, stressing that the military uniform represented not only authority but also the trust reposed in them by the Ghanaian people.
The Regional Minister charged the new personnel to be firm but fair, disciplined but humane, and vigilant while respecting human rights. He specifically cautioned them against extortion, brutality and unprofessional conduct in the course of their duties.
Mr. Gunu said the simultaneous passing out of more than 2,000 recruits across the Navy, Army and Air Force would help strengthen the manpower needs of the Ghana Armed Forces and enhance national security. He commended the commanders and instructors for their role in shaping the recruits and assured them of government’s commitment to retooling the Ghana Armed Forces and providing the necessary logistics for training and operations.
At the ceremony, the Overall Best Recruit Award went to female recruit 224548 OSUNT Asafo-Agyei Audrey Katanka. The Best in Drill Award was presented to the Parade Commander, Recruit Petty Officer 1 Alimenu Hamza, while Recruit 224414 OSUNT Amandi Blankson De-Young was adjudged Best in Academics. Recruit 224623 OSUNT Sadick Huziefa received the Commanding Officer’s Special Award.
The parade was commanded by Recruit Petty Officer 1 Alimenu Hamza, with the Naval Regimental Band providing musical accompaniment. The Reviewing Officer inspected the guard of honour mounted by the recruits before taking the salute.
The ceremony was attended by the South Tongu District Chief Executive, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo; directors from Naval Headquarters; senior officers and officers of the Ghana Armed Forces; personnel from sister security services; instructors, ratings and defence civilian staff. Traditional leaders, parents, guardians, family members, friends of the recruits and members of the general public also attended the ceremony.
