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Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has lauded the co-operation and understanding between the Ghana Armed Forces and the civilian population. He said there is room for improvement and urged the Military High Command to consciously work at it. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said this when he joined officers and men at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces to celebrate WASSA at Burma Camp in Accra. The celebration, which attracted serving officers and personnel, offers an opportunity to take stock of the events of the past year and reward deserving personnel, including civilian personnel for distinguished service. Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has assured the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) that the Executive will continue to prioritise the equipping and provision of accommodation to the security personnel. The Vice President, who also chairs the Army Council, commended the Forces for guaranteeing the nation a stable environment and for creating a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development. Vice President Amissah-Arthur commended the security agencies for their co-operation in the last December General Election and the daily joint anti-armed robbery operation that has kept the cities safe. Commodore Geofrey Mawuli Biekro, Chief of Staff at the General Head Quarters said the structure, orientation and focus of the Armed forces, lent itself to its very strategic employment, to achieve vital national objectives. Commodore Biekro said: "Well equipped, trained and motivated, the Ghana Armed Forces is poised to deliver on its constitutionally mandated roles, and contribute to the improvement of the economic fortunes and general well being of our country men and women." Commodore Biekro said with Ghana's image as an icon of democracy in Africa, the country's economy is expected to expand rapidly with associated security challenges. He said with crime becoming more sophisticated globally, it took constant upgrading of equipment, training and strategies "to keep pace with the changing dynamics in domestic and international business". Commodore Biekro mentioned the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces Pension House, the Ghana Armed Forces Bank, the development of a strategic plan for the improvement of the GAF, as some achievements of the Military High Command, over the past four years. A number of personnel were awarded prices, for excelling in a newly instituted French competition, which is to encourage all ranks to take up the French language, to enhance their duties. Major Elikem Fiamavle, overall winner of the competition, received as his prize a full sponsorship to Paris-France with his spouse, where the couple would be hosted by an official from the French Directorate for Military Cooperation. The winner would also have a conducted tour to some French Military Institutions, with spending money of 3000.00 dollars, as well as a set of French books. Two civilian employees were also given awards for long and meritorious service.