Accra: The Defence Press Corps on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff, to congratulate him on his appointment and pledge its support towards achieving his vision for the Ghana Army. The meeting aimed to strengthen the relationship between the media and the military, enhancing collaboration for the benefit of national security.
According to Ghana News Agency, the delegation was led by Mr. Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey, Dean of the Defence Press Corps (DPC), and included notable members such as Mr. Kofi Ampeah-Woode, a former Dean; Miss Christiana Afua Nyarko, Financial Secretary; and Mr. Benjamin Niibi Martey Botchway, Editor of the DPC's quarterly newsletter. During the meeting, Mr. Gold-Alorgbey emphasized the Corps' commitment to fostering stronger ties between defence journalists and the military and advocated for greater media inclusion in defence-related activities.
Mr. Gold-Alorgbey stated, "We are here to congratulate you on your appointment as Chief of the Army Staff and to reaffirm our full support as members of the Defence Press Corps. We also wish to request that your office considers embedding some of our members at military conferences and activities." In a gesture of goodwill and partnership, the Dean presented a plaque to Maj. Gen. Gbetanu, acknowledging his leadership and symbolizing the Corps' readiness to enhance relations with the Army.
Maj. Gen. Gbetanu expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the DPC of his dedication to collaborating closely with the media. He recognized the media as an essential partner in promoting public understanding of the military's work, stating, "We will count on your support in creating public awareness on some of the challenges and illegalities affecting military operations."
The Defence Press Corps is a professional association of journalists focused on reporting on defence and security issues. It collaborates with the military, police, immigration, and other security agencies to ensure accurate and objective dissemination of information on national security matters.