The Minister of Defence Designate, Dr. Omane Boamah during his vetting by the appointments Committee has vowed to prioritize medical fitness circumventing recruitment procedures, and to prioritize medical fitness of military recruits.
His comments spanned other critical issues such as combating terrorism, and enhancing Ghana’s military infrastructure
Dr. Boamah emphasized the dangers of bypassing recruitment procedures in the Ghana Armed Forces. He underscored the potential risks associated with enlisting individuals who do not meet the medical and physical requirements.
His perspective highlighted the dire consequences of such actions, citing instances of recruits suffering from severe health issues during training. He emphasized;
“If you circumvent the procedures, the rules of engagement, and you get enlisted or recruited, you are likely to suffer. And there have been some dire consequences. Some recruits have died on Day 1.”
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
He recounted personal observations of a recruit with near-flat feet who repeatedly ended up in the hospital during training. He warned;
“If you have a heart condition and the systems are circumvented and you are enlisted or recruited, you are just jeopardizing your life.’’
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
He advised against attempting to join the Armed Forces without meeting the necessary qualifications. He concluded this section by referencing the mental and physical demands of military training.
“At the beginning of the training, you are being asked to abandon all hopes of normal life – you are tested to the limits. That is the reality.”
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
Moreover, Dr. Boamah delved into the rising threats of terrorism in the West African subregion, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard Ghana.
He highlighted Ghana’s relative security compared to neighboring countries that have experienced terrorist attacks, attributing this success to effective policies and the resilience of the military. He commended;
“Successive governments have done very well in ensuring that we have not recorded any incident at this stage within the territory of Ghana.’’
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
However, he cautioned against complacency, stating that sleeper cells of terrorist groups may exist within the country, stating;
“There is also the strong belief that there are some sleeper cells of some of these groups, which so far our military has been able to contain and sometimes even push them out of the country.”
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
Additionally, Dr. Boamah underscored the importance of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in protecting Ghana’s borders and responding to threats. He recommended;
“Where we are, we cannot do without the FOBs. And if you ask me, we may even have to consider accelerating the completion of what is already under construction and then also identify some of the border areas.”
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
He explained that Ghana’s long and porous borders, stretching over 2,000 kilometers, pose a significant challenge in preventing potential incursions by terrorist groups using asymmetric warfare tactics.
Enhancing Military Infrastructure and Naval Capabilities
Addressing issues related to military infrastructure, Dr. Boamah stressed the need to re-equip all branches of the Ghana Armed Forces, including the Navy, Air Force, and Army. He highlighted;
“There was the need to also get [a long-endurance vessel]. One of the vessels is waiting for parliamentary approval.’’
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
Dr. Boamah emphasized that securing Ghana from terrorist threats requires more than just military resources. He advocated;
“The citizens must also be conscientious so that they will be able to help the Ghana Armed Forces detect when these incursions are being done.’’
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
He also commended the government’s appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as the special envoy to the Sahel Region, describing it as a strategic move to enhance diplomacy and security coordination.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s responses during his vetting demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Ghana’s defense sector.
His comments reflected a commitment to upholding recruitment standards, strengthening military infrastructure, and fostering public collaboration to address security threats. He reiterated;
“It is not just a matter of acquiring the vessels, acquiring the equipment. The entire system must work together to protect Ghana from external and internal threats.”
Dr. Omane Boamah Defence Minister – Designate
Dr. Boamah’s vetting showcased his preparedness to lead the Ministry of Defence with a clear vision for strengthening Ghana’s security framework.
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