By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Nov.07, GNA — Senior Warrant Officer Samuel Baafi (Rtd) has urged the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to draw inspiration from the values of discipline, hard work, and teamwork demonstrated by veteran soldiers to improve its operations.
He noted that those important values, which have traditionally been central to the military, were slowly diminishing and emphasized the need for intentional efforts to restore them.
SWO Baafi (Rtd) made the call during the launch of a book titled “Literature on Boys/Junior Leaders Company” on Thursday.
The book, authored by the Ex-Boys/Junior Leaders Association, aims to honor the legacy of the Boys/Junior Leaders Company and instill values of excellence, discipline, and service within the military community.
The book provides a detailed account of the Boys/Junior Leaders Company, established in 1953, documenting its history, recruitment process, training syllabus, and the achievements of its alumni in the GAF.
It highlights the significant contributions the company has made to the military, society, and the nation, serving as an important addition to the literature surrounding the Boys/Junior Leaders Company.
SWO Baafi (Rtd), who is also the lead author of the book and an alumnus of the Boys Company, explained that the purpose of the book was to document, celebrate, and preserve the core values of excellence, discipline, and service that the institution instilled in its students.
He described the work as a tribute to the visionaries who established the Boys Company, as well as to the many young men who passed through its halls.
These individuals went on to become some of the most dedicated and outstanding soldiers, both officers and enlisted personnel, within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
“This book is more than a historical lesson; it is a call to all of us to remember that the past shapes our present and informs our future.
“In preserving the legacy of Boys Company, we ensure that the school’s contributions to our nation will never be forgotten,” he added.
SWO Baafi (Rtd) called for the Boys Company to be reintegrated into the current military system to help revive the values of excellence, discipline, and service.
Major General Adu Amanfo (Rtd), Special Advisor to the President for the Accra Initiative, commended the Ex-Boys for their dedication and service to the nation.
He described the book as well-researched, highly informative, and an essential read for everyone.
Brigadier General Augustine Asiedu, the Director-General for International Peace Support Operations, reflected on his experiences with senior officers who had come from the Boys Company, describing them as “above excellent.”
He encouraged the military to embrace the book, highlighting the opportunity to learn from the remarkable qualities exhibited by those veterans.
The event was attended by several retired military officers, some of whom shared their personal experiences and congratulated the Ex-Boys for their efforts in documenting this significant piece of history.
GNA