Britain To Airlift Ghanaian Troops To Mali

General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of British Army has announced plans by his country to airlift Ghanaian troops to Mali.

British Armed Forces is also examining how best to assist Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in terms of training and equipment to deploy Ghana`s troops to assist in restoring peace and security in the war torn West African nation.

Gen Sir Richards made this known when he led a seven-member delegation from Britain to call on his Ghanaian counterpart, Lt Gen Peter Augustine Blay at Burma Camp in Accra at the weekend.

A statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel E. Aggrey-Quashie on behalf of the Public Relations Directorate and copied to the Ghana News Agency, quoted Gen Sir Richards as saying the visit was aimed at strengthening the long standing relations between the British Armed Forces and GAF.

Lt Gen Blay said Ghana would have loved to commit more troops to aid in restoring peace in Mali, but because of its commitment to other United Nations Peace Support Operations around the globe, the country deployed a limited number.

He expressed appreciation to Gen Sir Richards and the British Armed Forces in general for the unflinching support to GAF.

Lt Gen Blay commended British Armed Forces for opting to provide the required training and equipment to GAF and to transport Ghanaians troops to deploy in Mali.

The delegation later called on President John Dramani Mahama.

They comprise Maj Gen Alex Storrie, Assistant CDS Military Strategy, Col Charlie Storrie, Chief of Staff, Permanent Joint Headquarters, Lt Col Tom Tugendthart, Military Assistant and Lt Col Ben Edwards.

The delegation was accompanied by the British High commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes and Lt Col Anton Gash, UK Defence Attaché in Ghana.

-------Ghana Business News/GNA