The renovated Ghana Military Police Two Provost Detachment office and accommodation at the Tommy Barracks has been inaugurated in Takoradi, in the Western Region.
Undertaken by the Ghana Gas Company (GNGC) at the cost of GH¢1.2 million, the facility now has an office for the commander, a workstation for the general office, assorted furniture, surveillance cameras, wireless internet, a conference hall and a fully-furnished accommodation for the Detachment Warrant Officer.
Established in 1962, the facility, previously occupied by the Border Guards during the early post-independence, and later handed over to the Two Provost Detachment, had not witnessed any significant renovation.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony yesterday, the Commander for the Two Provost Detachment of the Ghana Military Police, Captain Monica Yiribokeya, said unfavourable weather and engineering defects led to the gradual deterioration of the office.
The situation, she said created an unconducive working environment for personnel, adding that the situation particularly during the raining season often compelled personnel to either evacuate or prematurely conclude their work.
According to her, in August 2020, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, during a visit, was informed about the challenges the detachment faced, hence he tasked the engineer detachment to conduct a survey for a partial renovation of the office building.
“The Chief of Defence Staff ’s initiative motivated me to carry forward the project he initiated. With the unwavering support of my capable Detachment Warrant Officer, WOl Afeawo Nelson, dedicated personnel, and generous contributions from various companies, we have successfully transformed this dream into a reality,” Captain Yiribokeya said.
She said the efforts of partners had created a conducive working environment and “today, we are witnessing the remarkable outcome of a dedicated detachment that has supported this transformative endeavour.”
She paid tribute to the GNGC for renovating the remaining areas of the office and creating new accommodation for the Detachment Warrant Officer.
Captain Yiribokeya commended the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Adamus Resources, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHPA), Takoradi, Ghana Maritime Authority and the Volta Aluminum Company Limited, (VALCO) for the provision of financial and essential office items for the detachment.
The Two Garrison Commander and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel A. Kwafo, described the refurbished Two Provost Detachment offices as a significant milestone in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Head of Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility of the GNGC, Mr Steven Donkor, said his company was proud to be associated with the military as one of the revered institutions in Ghana.
“The renovation of the Two Provost Detachment will provide a congenial atmosphere for the military to effectively safeguard the country from external aggression,” he stressed.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI