The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), at the weekend took a bold step to rekindle one of its almost lost traditions, �Beating the Retreat�, with a magnificent pageant of military music, precision drills and colour at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) Parade grounds.
The ceremony was characterised by the delivery of spirited marches as
well as poignant and evocative hymns and a medley of songs of special significance by the massed bands of the Army, Navy and Airforce.
It drew an impressive turnout of both serving and retired military personnel, bedecked in flamboyant service garb, as well as civilians who applauded spiritedly, with some retired officers expressing nostalgia about the event.
The occasion forms part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the GMA.
�Beating the Retreat� is among the oldest of military ceremonies believed to have its beginnings from ancient warfare.
Originally known as �Watch Setting�, it was initiated at sunset by the firing of a single round from the evening gun to recall troops from
engagements or pull a halt to a days fighting, a return to camp and mounting of the guard for the night.
Commodore Steve Obimpeh, a retired naval officer and senior advisor to the President, observed that Ghana was a country of rich cultural heritage that had always acknowledged the role it ancestors played in its history.
He said that same cultural heritage that embraced military traditions like the �Beating the Retreat� had ensured the cohesion and esprit-de-corps among service personnel.
Cmdr Obimpeh noted that it was not for nothing that the term �military precision� had become synonymous with everything that went according to plan.
He said that the military does not brook mediocrity in the conduct of its operations because it was founded on a tradition of excellence.
Cmdr Obimpeh said �It is now up to those of us here to uphold this noble military culture, by ferreting out and reviving all seemingly
insignificant traditions that play a vital role in inculcating in the officer or man, the desired military values.
�It is up to us, indeed, to shed the feeling of aloofness, that has gradually creep upon us when it comes to military ceremonies�We need to remain faithful to the cause of our profession and showcase its pomp and pageantry at every opportunity, because that is what defines our unique institution�.
Other planned activities to mark the 50 years of the GMA include an anniversary ball and Awards Night on the August 27, 2010 at the banquet
hall, where alumni deserving of recognition for achievement in various fields of endeavour would be duly honoured.
A panel discussion on the topic �Turning out Quality Military Leaders for the 21st Century. A Reappraisal of Leadership Training�, to be handled by prominent academicians and senior retired officers would also be held at the Burma hall on September 1, 2010.
The event would be chaired by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is an alumnus of the GMA.
The climax of the celebration would be the Golden Jubilee Graduation Parade at the GMA parade grounds on September 3, 2010 and a non-denominational church service at the Burma hall on September 5, 2010.