AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine has collaborated with the Ghana Army to construct a Military Forward Operating Base at Ayankyirem in Obuasi.
The project, estimated to cost over US$6.9 million will be executed in three phases, over a period of two years, under the supervision of the Director, Engineer Services of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the project, Mr. Awie Frey, the Acting Managing Director of AGA Obuasi mine, said the initiative was in line with the company’s commitment to support improvement of the security of the people of Obuasi and its environs.
“The Military Forward Operating Base project is not just a mere construction of facilities, but a symbol of our commitment to enhancing security measures in Obuasi and by extension Ashanti and the Northern Region of Ghana,” Mr. Frey said.
Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismark Kwasi Onwona, on his part noted that the opening of the Military Forward Operating Base in Obuasi fits into the strategy of the Ghana Army to expand its footprints across the country.
“This Forward Operating Base is but one of several others to be built across the country mainly along the Northern frontiers and it is to position the Ghana Army to better deliver on its constitutional mandate,” he said.
Major General Onwona said the opening of the Forward Operating Base will guarantee that potential threats to security of AGA are timeously identified and measures put in place to avert their escalation.
The facilities at the Base, he said, will include offices, accommodation for all ranks, a multi-purpose hall, administration block, a helipad, recreational areas, medical posts and garages.
Nana Boakye Yiadom, Bekwai Mmawerehene, who deputized for Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio, the Bekwai Omanhene, called for peaceful co-existence between the military and the people of Ayankyirem.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
