In a firm statement addressing military conduct, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has reiterated that the government expects nothing less than the highest standards of discipline and professionalism from the Ghana Armed Forces.
Speaking candidly on issues of military protocol, the Minister emphasized that discipline remains non-negotiable within the ranks and urged strict adherence to established regulations.
According to Dr. Boamah, maintaining order within the Ghana Armed Forces is central to preserving the integrity and credibility of the institution.
One of his major concerns involved the unauthorized provision of guard duties by soldiers, an activity that the Minister classified as unacceptable and contrary to military regulations. He warned that those involved in assigning or carrying out such unauthorized duties would face strict disciplinary action.
“Those who deploy the people to go and provide the guard duties will also be dealt with. Most of the time, we do not expect the soldier to be the person who will be left to go and do it, even though we are also informed that sometimes some soldiers, after the close of work, also elect to go and provide some of these duties.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Dr. Boamah highlighted the need for the military High Command to address this issue decisively and without delay.
He called upon military leadership to implement strict measures against such breaches of protocol, reinforcing that such tasks are not part of a soldier’s official responsibilities.
His remarks underline the Ministry’s determination to eliminate what he described as an illegal phenomenon within the armed forces.
The Defence Ministry’s renewed focus on discipline follows the recent decision to withdraw military personnel from duties protecting civil servants.
This shift in policy is seen as an effort to streamline the military’s operations and reaffirm its core mandates.
Additionally, the Ministry has chosen not to deploy soldiers at election centers, using the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a trial phase for this new approach. The decision reflects a broader strategy to redefine the military’s role in civil processes.
Ghana’s Defence Sector Restructuring Plan Unveiled
Dr. Omane Boamah also focused on the broader initiative of restructuring Ghana’s defence sector. He presented a comprehensive strategy intended to improve both the operational efficiency and welfare of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The outlined plan seeks to strengthen the military’s ability to address security challenges, promote a supportive work atmosphere, and develop international partnerships to enhance overall defence capabilities.
“This means we’re committed to supporting our troops with: Quality Healthcare: Access to top-notch medical care, including funding from the Mahama Cares Initiative; Fair Compensation: Regular salary reviews for fairness and equity.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
In a significant infrastructure boost, the Ministry is pursuing extensive upgrades to military barracks, including the construction of 10,000 new housing units. This initiative is expected to improve the living standards of troops while facilitating smoother operational logistics.
Alongside this, the Minister mentioned efforts to provide modern equipment and resources to better support the military’s work.
Professional development also features prominently in the government’s vision for the armed forces.
Dr. Boamah stated that the Ministry is committed to creating avenues for continuous training and professional growth, thereby empowering soldiers to advance their skills and competencies. “Let’s unite for a Stronger Ghana.”
While discipline enforcement forms the immediate priority, the comprehensive reforms signal a longer-term commitment to transforming the Ghana Armed Forces into a modern, efficient, and well-resourced institution.
The Ministry’s focus on both accountability and welfare marks a balanced approach to improving national security infrastructure.
As the military hierarchy responds to the Minister’s directives, attention will be focused on how swiftly the High Command can curb unauthorized guard duties and restore full compliance with military regulations.
The government’s broader restructuring efforts indicate a continued investment in ensuring that Ghana’s armed forces remain professional, disciplined, and capable of safeguarding national interests.
In the coming months, the Defence Ministry’s policies will likely shape not only military operations but also public confidence in the institution.
Meanwhile, the public is keen to see whether these reforms will translate into measurable improvements in both discipline and operational performance across Ghana’s military landscape.
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