By Kekeli K. Blamey
Nutekpor (V/R), Sept. 30 GNA – The Naval Recruit Training School (NRTS) of the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) has passed out 346 recruits of Basic Training Intake 85 (BT 85) after successfully completing 26 weeks of intensive military and naval training.
The passing-out parade, held on Friday, September 25, at the NAVTRAC Parade Square at Nutekpor in the Volta Region, marked the culmination of rigorous classroom instruction, practical exercises, physical training and military drills designed to prepare the recruits for professional service in the Ghana Navy.
The Volta Regional Minister and Special Guest of Honour, Mr James Gunu, congratulated the recruits on successfully completing the demanding training programme, describing their transition from recruits to members of the Ghana Armed Forces as a significant assumption of responsibility and public trust.
He urged them to wear the military uniform with integrity, professionalism and patriotism and to discharge their duties with firmness, fairness, discipline and respect for human rights.
Mr Gunu reminded the recruits that their enlistment placed upon them an obligation to protect the nation and serve the Ghanaian people with dedication, noting that the credibility of the Armed Forces depended significantly on the conduct of its personnel.
Commodore Godson Kwabla Zowonoo (Rtd), Reviewing Officer for BT 85, also urged the recruits to uphold the core values of the military and regard their enlistment not merely as a career, but as a lifelong commitment to national service and continuous self-improvement.
Addressing the 346 recruits, Commodore Zowonoo congratulated them on their perseverance and resilience throughout the 26-week training, saying the successful completion of the programme demonstrated their readiness to take on the responsibilities associated with military service.
He said the naval uniform symbolised national service, responsibility and the trust reposed in military personnel by the Ghanaian people, and cautioned the recruits against corruption, extortion and the abuse of military authority.
Commodore Zowonoo urged them to lead by example and conduct themselves in ways that would protect and enhance the reputation of the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces.
He reminded the recruits that the passing-out parade marked only the beginning of their military careers and encouraged them to pursue continuous learning, exercise sound judgment, respect lawful authority and uphold the principles of loyalty, courage, integrity, discipline, professionalism, teamwork and selfless service.
The Reviewing Officer commended the Commanding Officer and instructors of the NRTS for their dedication and sacrifices in training the recruits and preparing them to confront the evolving demands and complexities of modern military service.
The parade formed part of the Ghana Navy’s efforts to strengthen its human resource base and equip personnel with the discipline, knowledge and professional competencies required to contribute effectively to national security and maritime operations.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah