He said the Sub-Region is in a critical period of reconstruction with the civil wars, conflicts and political instability that characterized its immediate past, giving way to peace and democracy.He therefore, suggested the need for all, especially the armed forces to ensure that this refreshing evolution is not disturbed.

President Kufuor was addressing the graduation parade of 76 Officer Cadets - three from Benin, two from Burkina Faso and the remaining Ghana - at the Ghana Military Academy and Training School at Teshie after 23 months training. Among them were two females.

President Kufuor said the socio-political evolution of the Sub-Region is the positive outcome of dialogue, hard work and goodwill on the part of individuals, groups and organisations within and outside the country. He added that he is hopeful those countries yet to move into the normalcy of constitutional rule would soon emulate our conduct.

"In the foreseeable future, the entire Sub-Region will come to share in the common values of good governance, social and economic evolution."

President Kufuor gave the assurance that despite many difficulties, his Administration would continue to make all efforts to improve the lot of the officers and men of the GAF. "Trust this government, and let us work together to build a just, humane and prosperous nation for the benefit of us all."

The President reminded the graduating officer cadets that their commission placed on them greater responsibility, since they are now part of the leadership in their profession. Cadet Officer Richard Amedeka was adjudged the best all round Officer cadet and received the Sword of Honour. Cadet Officer Mark Kobina Hagan took the Military Cane award, while Cadet Sergeant Francis Laapo won the academic prize with the Foreign Cadet Award going to Cadet Sergeant Francis Quedraogo from Burkina Faso.

Other award winners were Midshipman Joseph Gura, Excellence in Sea Navigation Skills, Flight Cadet Baba Billey, Eagle Trophy and Cadet Sergeant David Kpodo, Commandant's award.

In attendance, were Professor Adjei Bekoe, Chairman of the Council of State, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Defence Minister; Mr Paapa Owusu Ankomah, the Interior Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Major General Joseph Boateng Danquah and Mr Patrick Acheampong, Inspector General of Police.