Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the Deputy Minister of Defense, has inaugurated a US$1 million Forward Operating Base (FOB) constructed for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at the Bui Power Generating Station (BPGS) in the Banda District of the Bono Region.
The Bui Power Authority (BPA), managers of the BPGS, constructed the first phase of the FOB, a facility to provide support for military operations around the dam's enclave. It serves as a logistical hub, command centre, and staging area for troops, and also houses personnel, equipment, supplies, and infrastructure necessary to sustain military forces in the enclave.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held at Bui, Mr Amankwa-Manu, also the Member of Parliament for Atwima-Kwanwoma in the Ashanti Region, said the facility resonated with the Ministry's strategic direction of the GAF's expansion drive and the project of force into every corner to defend the country.
Additionally, “Bui FOB location complemented the network of bases we had approved and initiated at the Ministry regarding the Northern Border Project,” he said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Base to the protection of the national asset.
Mr Amankwa-Manu highlighted that the closer proximity of the military would ensure situational awareness and effective coordination against potential threats to the security of the Bui Dam.
He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the Ministry but expressed gratitude to the BPA for their support in the construction of the FOB. He charged the Military High Command, especially the troops who would occupy the facility, to display the utmost duty of care and military maintenance culture in the usage of the base.
The decision to construct the FOB was prompted by imminent terrorist threats from the Sahel Region, which were gradually descending southwards, necessitating swift response measures, said Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer of the BPA.
He expressed concern about the “Dollar Power”, an illegal mining community situated in the Bole District of the Savannah Region, which served as a hub for criminal activities, gangs, illegal miners, and potential terrorist groups.
Mr. Dzamesi emphasized the FOB's significance in enhancing security, increasing productivity, reducing logistic costs for the military stationed in the ‘Dollar Power' area, generating local employment opportunities, and stimulating economic growth.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, highlighted the economic growth brought about by the Bui Dam and stressed the importance of protecting it as a shared responsibility. She urged communities around the enclave to ensure peaceful co-existence with the BPA to enhance security and improve livelihoods.
Madam Owusu-Banahene expressed optimism that with peaceful co-existence, the livelihoods of the people around the dam's enclave would be enhanced as the BPA worked hard to alleviate their plight.
