By Patience Tawiah
Nkwanta (O/R), Aug. 31, GNA – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command, has presented medical logistics to the Nkwanta South Municipal Health Directorate as part of activities marking the end of Exercise Starlight Stretch III.
The exercise was aimed at supporting peace, security, and the wellbeing of residents in the municipality.
The presentation formed part of the Ghana Armed Forces’ broader community engagement initiatives under the exercise, which sought not only to enhance operational readiness and maintain law and order but also to strengthen relations between the security services and communities within the operational area.
Brigadier General Edward Awaribe, General Officer Commanding Southern Command, speaking during the presentation, said the GAF recognised that maintaining peace and security must go hand in hand with safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the people.
He explained that while the Armed Forces remained committed to preserving peace and law and order in the area, the health of the civilian population was equally important.
Brig. Gen. Awaribe said the donation was intended to complement the efforts of the Municipal Health Directorate and the Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital in delivering essential healthcare services to residents.
As part of the exercise, the GAF also organised a free medical outreach programme for residents of the municipality.
The outreach provided access to basic health screening, medical consultations and other healthcare services, particularly for people who might otherwise have difficulty accessing medical care.
The initiative also offered an opportunity for military medical personnel and civilian health workers to interact directly with residents and promote health awareness in the municipality.
Brig. Gen. Awaribe expressed appreciation to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly for their support and cooperation towards the successful implementation of Exercise Starlight Stretch III.
He said the cooperation of local authorities and community members was critical to the success of the exercise, stressing that effective peace and security could only be achieved through collaboration among security agencies, local authorities and the civilian population.
He commended the Assembly for its assistance and urged stakeholders to continue working together to promote peace, stability, and development in the municipality.
Mr Joseph Awal Antwi, MCE for Nkwanta South, expressed appreciation to the GAF and officers participating in Exercise Starlight Stretch III for their contribution to maintaining peace and security in the area.
He acknowledged the important role played by the security personnel in protecting lives and property and creating an environment conducive to development.
Mr Antwi noted that the medical outreach and donation of medical logistics demonstrated that the exercise extended beyond security operations to include interventions that directly benefited residents.
He expressed the hope that collaboration between the Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Armed Forces would continue to deepen, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, community engagement, healthcare delivery and other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah