The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has announced a series of major infrastructure and operational developments within the Ghana Army, including the commencement of construction of the 9th Riverine Battalion in Dambai in the Oti Region.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho, Major General Gbetanu highlighted the Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve the welfare of personnel through strategic projects and expansion initiatives.

Reflecting on his longstanding association with the regiment, the Army Chief noted that he had previously participated in its 50th anniversary celebration a decade ago and had also attended the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) as a guest of honour earlier this year.

He recalled hinting at the establishment of the 9th Riverine Battalion during the WASA event and expressed satisfaction that construction has now officially begun in Dambai. According to him, by the end of the year, facilities for the deployment of a company are expected to be completed.

“This will allow us to deploy a commanding officer and the nucleus of the unit, thereby relieving the 66 Artillery Regiment from internal security operations in the Oti Region,” he stated, adding that the move would enable regional authorities to better coordinate local security operations.

Major General Gbetanu further revealed that the new barracks in Dambai is being developed as a family-based facility, similar to existing structures within the regiment, to allow personnel to live with their families—an initiative aimed at improving morale and stability among troops.

The Army Chief also outlined broader development plans under the Ghana Army’s five-year strategic framework (2026–2030), which he launched on March 18 this year. On the same day, he performed groundbreaking ceremonies for a series of “legacy projects” to be implemented across the Northern, Central, Southern, and Training Commands.

As part of these projects, construction has commenced on a 30-unit accommodation facility at the Army Training Command in Peki. Additionally, another key project is set to begin in Tamale, with contractors expected to mobilize to site in the coming week.

In a significant announcement during the anniversary event, Major General Gbetanu disclosed that one of his legacy projects for the Southern Command would be sited within the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho. Contractors are scheduled to visit the site next week, with full construction expected to begin in early May.

He emphasised that funding for all the projects has already been secured through the support of the Friends of the Ghana Army and other benefactors.

“What is unique about these projects is that the funding has already been sourced, sealed, and secured. Once construction begins, we expect timely completion in line with the agreed schedules,” he assured.

Major General Gbetanu explained that the various interventions form part of deliberate efforts to address accommodation challenges facing personnel of the Ghana Army and the wider Ghana Armed Forces.

The 60th anniversary celebration of the 66 Artillery Regiment served as a platform to reflect on the unit’s six decades of dedicated service to national defence, while also outlining future plans to strengthen its operational capabilities and improve the welfare of its personnel.