Speaking at the 2016 graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) at Teshie in Accra, President Mahama, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces also announced that  the Ration Allowance for uniformed personnel had also been increased to GH? 120 and Clothing Allowance for civilian employees has also been increased to GH? 40.

He explained that these adjustments take effect from September 1, and that government would continue to upwardly review other allowances at the right time. He said government had taken note of some challenges confronting military personnel in the country and had taken various measures to address some of them.

The President recounted that over the past four years, government had taken pragmatic steps to improve the logistics, infrastructure, water supply-especially in Whistler and the Wajir Barracks; roads and sanitation situations in all garrisons.

President Mahama said government would in the next four years assist the Ghana Air Force to establish a flight training school which would be a centre of excellence in West Africa.  "We will also increase the numerical strength of the Ghana Armed Forces and continue to provide the needed up-to-date logistics to facilitate and enhance your performance," President Mahama said.

He urged the graduating officers to live up to expectations and work together for the good of the country.  The graduation was held for cadres of the Regular Career Course (RCC) 56 and Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 54 graduated into fully fledged officers.

The graduating officers for the RCC were 62; which consist of 29 officers from the Ghana Army, three from Benin and two from Guinea. The rest are 17 Navy and 11 Air Force Officers from the Ghana Armed Forces.

The officers for the Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 54 were 38, who were all from Ghana Armed Forces. Their distribution were Army 21, Navy eight and Air force nine. Special Senior under Officer Addo Larbi won the Sword of Honour Award.

The GMA was established on April 1, 1960 after years of reliance on foreign Military Academies to commission potential Ghanaian Officers for the Ghana Armed Forces. The mission of GMA is to produce leaders of character for the defence of Ghana.