He advised against partisanship in the military, reiterating that military colours do not represent any political, religious, ethnic or sectarian interest, than to protect interest of the State.  

"The Ghana Armed Forces has an image that flies high and it would be your sacred duty as officers to continue to fly high the flag of our esteemed Armed Forces," President Mills said.   

He was reviewing a colourful Golden Jubilee Graduation parade of the Ghana Military Academy and Training School (MATS) at Teshie in Accra.  

 
The parade, which featured the Regular Career Course 50 and Short Service Commission/Special Duty Course 49 had two foreign officers, and climaxed the 50th anniversary celebration of the Academy.     

In attendance were; Former President Jerry John Rawlings, and Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and General Yakubu Gowon, Former Head of State of Nigeria, all trained at MATS.

President Mills, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of GAF, reminded the graduates that their commissioning make them part of a privileged group who has defended the colours.     

He said it is therefore their duty to work hard to bring glory and honor to Ghana, GAF and themselves.   

Consequently, a lot will be expected of them and they have no option but to meet and to improve the high standards that have been set. 

   
President Mills announced that Government will soon expand and strengthen the Navy and Air Force to prepare the nation better for the protection of Ghana's oil and marine resources and also make Ghana an unfriendly destination for the drug trade.  

   
He assured the Forces on the need for increased collaboration with sister African countries in the training needs of GAF. 

   
President Mills commended the officers, who have given excellent services to the establishment, extolling their hard work, which has nurtured the young officers into the Forces.     
He later inaugurated a 16-room two storey building at MATS and commended the Minister for Defence, Lieutenant-General J.H. Smith, Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Peter Blay and the Military High Command for funding the project.   

 
Senior Warrant Officer Stephen Nimako was commended for distinguished 29 years service to MATS.
     
Prizes were given to distinguished officers and the best award to Senior Under Officer Raymond Owusu-Ababio.