Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has called on the government and Parliament to shift focus from raising the military recruitment age to modernizing Ghana’s security infrastructure, intelligence systems, and personnel capacity.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Kissi stressed that Ghana’s security challenge lies not in the age of recruits but in outdated systems and weak intelligence gathering. He said the ongoing debate over whether to increase the upper age limit for military enlistment should reflect Ghana’s current security priorities rather than populist sentiment.
“Well, first of all, I think that Ghana’s security services certainly need some upgrades. I’m more concerned about one; intelligence gathering, because as it is, I think that is quite weak”
Dr. Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
Dr. Kissi argued that while proposals to raise the recruitment age – from Communications Minister Hon. Samuel Nartey George and South Dayi MP Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor – may have good intentions, the real task lies in equipping the country’s security forces with modern tools and retraining personnel to handle evolving threats.
According to him, Ghana’s security services must move beyond traditional physical drills and adopt advanced methods of intelligence, surveillance, and data-driven operations.
“And when I say training, it’s not the 1947 type heavy physical activities, but I’m talking about the mind-training,” he said, adding that the state must invest in innovation and technology to strengthen its response capacity.
The former MP further warned against populist approaches to the country’s national security policy, saying they often appeal to public emotion but fail to address systemic weaknesses, complicating issues. “Let’s be realistic. Wishful thinking at this time doesn’t help us,” he stated.
Dr. Kissi maintained that Ghana’s future stability depends on a clear policy shift toward modernization, efficiency, and inter-agency collaboration rather than symbolic reforms that do little to improve national preparedness.
NPP’s Unifier for 2028
Dr. Adomako Kissi also turned his attention to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) internal politics, endorsing Dr. Bryan Acheampong as the candidate capable of uniting the party and restoring its electoral strength ahead of the 2028 general election.
He said the party, still reeling from its loss in the 2024 polls, requires a leader with a rare blend of political maturity, business acumen, and security expertise to rebuild confidence among members and supporters.
“The party certainly is at a crossroads, and everybody – not just me – is aware of that. And I strongly believe that he is the very best person to close up the deficit we have now – in terms of the last election’s gap, which is well close to two million votes – and give us a one-touch win in 2028”
Dr. Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
Dr. Kissi described Dr. Acheampong as a “strategic and unifying candidate” whose background in the American military and private enterprise places him in a strong position to manage both the country’s internal security and economic direction.
“With the way things are going with galamsey and our national security architecture, I think that Dr. Bryan Acheampong, with his experience, is the best in terms of getting the country in good shape – in security, business infrastructure, and food security”
Dr. Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
He also credited Dr. Acheampong with reigniting enthusiasm within the NPP grassroots, which he said is crucial for rebuilding the party’s base before the 2026 primaries.
READ ALSO: Nobel Committee Criticised After Trump Misses Peace Prize
