He said the Army had conducted itself professionally over the years to ensuring peace in many conflict areas in the country, including Dagbon.

"We are equally happy with your sustained effort in assisting to provide security in conflict areas like Dagbon, Kyereponi, Alavanyo, Nkonya, to mention but a few. And I'm convinced that had it not been for your brilliant presence in these conflict areas the security situation would have been worse, more especially in Dagbon, where we have just concluded the outdooring of a new Yaa-Na," he said.

Brigadier General Oppong-Otchere made the commendations at the 2018 end-of-year West African Security Services Association (WASSA) in Accra, organised by the Army Headquarters for personnel of the Unit, family and friends to make merry and take stock of the year's activities.

He said the soldiers must be applauded for their commitment and love for the country and the Army, even in the face of all their challenges.

"We are all witnesses to your cooperation with the civil police in the successful conduct of the referendum to determine constitutional threshold for the creation of the six new regions in Ghana. Your commitment to preserve our national interest cannot be concluded without mentioning of your determination to reclaim lands destroyed by galamsey activities and restore polluted waters to their natural state through operation Vanguard," he said.

"Over the period I have noticed with much satisfaction, the significant improvement in cooperation and understanding between the civilian population and the Ghana Army in particular. This is indeed laudable but as we all admit there is more room for improvement and I urge you to consciously work towards it."

Brigadier General Amoah Ayisi, Chief Staff Officer, Army Headquarters said the WASSA provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year's activities, and also served as an avenue for retrospection for the coming year.

He said although the past year was a challenging one, the Army managed to do what they are constitutionally required to do.

Brigadier General Amoah said the Army would continue to engage in numerous internal security operations such as operation vanguard, operation calm life and sit down look and halt, all geared towards ensuring peace in the country.

Mrs Comfort Asante was adjudged the best Female Civilian Employee of the year 2018, while Mr Bawa Agbede was adjudged the best Male employee for 2018.

The WASSA is an annual ceremony observed by all units of the Ghana Armed Forces to promote socialisation among military personnel, and to serve as an opportunity to take stock of their work for the year and to strategies for the coming year.

It is also an avenue for renewing camaraderie among officers, other ranks and the civilian, employees of the military.

The event, characterised by merry making, brought together service commanders, senior officers, commandants and officers.