The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has directed the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to immediately cease the provision of guard duties to unauthorized individuals. He emphasized that such assignments fall outside the military’s core mandate and warned that both personnel providing and approving these unauthorized duties will face disciplinary action.
Speaking during a working visit to the Eastern Naval Base in Tema, Dr. Omane Boamah reiterated the Armed Forces’ reputation for discipline and professionalism, noting that upholding these values is non-negotiable.
“It is not the duty of the Armed Forces to offer personal guard services to civilians who are not entitled to them. Officers who flout this directive, whether by action or approval, will be sanctioned accordingly,” he said.
The Defence Minister also assured naval leadership of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and operational capacity of the Armed Forces. He disclosed that the government plans to invest up to $1 billion in equipping the military over the next three years, with logistics support being a top priority.
Dr. Omane Boamah acknowledged the Navy’s strategic role in protecting Ghana’s oil and gas infrastructure, combating narcotics trafficking, and countering violent extremism in the maritime domain.
“Criminal elements are increasingly exploiting the high seas to smuggle drugs and oil. Violent extremist networks are also turning to maritime routes. We must match their agility with superior logistics and unbroken surveillance,” he added.
The Minister called for urgent investment in alternative power sources to maintain naval surveillance systems during blackouts, emphasizing that national security operations must not be compromised by power disruptions.
Housing and Welfare of Officers
Highlighting a housing deficit of over 17,000 units within the Armed Forces, Dr. Omane Boamah urged the completion of abandoned housing projects across garrisons and proposed new initiatives to ensure every officer has decent accommodation.
“We cannot expect the highest standards of professionalism from personnel who lack basic housing. Addressing this deficit is a national priority,” he stressed.
Navy Faces Operational Challenges
Also speaking during the visit, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, praised the commitment of naval personnel to maritime security. He, however, acknowledged that operational logistics remain a major challenge.
“The Navy is well-positioned to confront maritime threats like piracy, drug trafficking, and sea robbery. But without adequate logistics, our effectiveness is limited,” Commodore Asiedu-Larbi noted.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s working tour, which began at the Western Naval Base in Tema with an inspection of a guard of honour, is part of a broader review of Ghana’s defense infrastructure and readiness.
