Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Defense, Hon. Ernest Yaw Brogya Gyenfi, has issued a strong caution to officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, both on and off duty.
Speaking at a military event in Accra, the Deputy Minister reminded the ranks that the Armed Forces is a disciplined institution whose reputation must be safeguarded at all times through conduct that reflects integrity, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
“I must issue a heavy caution. Every soldier and officer is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, respect the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of all citizens, whether on duty or off duty”.
Deputy Minister for Defense, Hon. Ernest Yaw Brogya Gyenfi
He warned that any misconduct or act that tarnishes the image of the Ghana Armed Forces will attract firm and decisive disciplinary action as prescribed by military regulations and national laws.
His remarks come in the wake of a recent incident involving a soldier captured on CCTV physically assaulting a pharmacist’s attendant and a female customer at a pharmacy near Burma Camp. The footage, which went viral, drew widespread public condemnation and reignited conversations about military discipline and accountability.
The Ghana Armed Forces has since confirmed the arrest of the soldier by the Military Police. The Military High Command has also assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that appropriate sanctions will be applied following due process.
Hon. Gyenfi, while addressing the matter, stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Armed Forces, describing discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism.
He reminded soldiers that their actions reflect not just on the individual, but on the entire institution and the nation. “Let us continue to serve with honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty,” he urged, adding that discipline and respect for the rights of civilians remain non-negotiable values that every officer must uphold.
Commendation of Service to Ghana
The Deputy Minister used the occasion to commend the Chief of the Defense Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyepong, and the Military High Command for their leadership and swift response to recent disciplinary issues within the service.
He praised their commitment to ensuring that accountability and justice are not compromised, even when the misconduct involves personnel of the Armed Forces. “And also, I wish to commend the planners of this exercise and everyone who was kind enough to put this event together,” the Deputy Minister for Defense added.
Hon. Gyenfi reiterated that the Ministry of Defense and the Ghana Armed Forces remain committed to maintaining professionalism, transparency, and respect for the law.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces, as a key pillar of national security, must continue to serve with distinction while earning and maintaining the trust of the public.
His message underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse of power by security personnel, a concern that has gained renewed attention following reports of misconduct in isolated cases.
The Deputy Minister’s comments signal a firm policy direction toward reinforcing discipline, ethical behavior, and accountability across all ranks. The Defense Ministry’s decisive approach could help strengthen public confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to self-regulate and uphold democratic values.
The Ghana Armed Forces has, in recent years, intensified its internal disciplinary mechanisms to ensure that the actions of a few do not overshadow the service’s long-standing record of professionalism, sacrifice, and national service.
Hon. Gyenfi’s caution serves as both a reminder and a reaffirmation of the standards expected of every Ghanaian soldier—discipline, humility, and respect for the rights of civilians.
His address also reinforces the principle that in a democracy, the military’s legitimacy and moral authority derive not from force but from its adherence to law, ethics, and duty.
The Ghana Armed Forces, which has earned global recognition for its professionalism in peacekeeping operations, has been urged by many civil society groups to ensure that such standards are consistently reflected in domestic operations and engagements with civilians.
The Deputy Minister’s call to discipline therefore, reaffirms the government’s determination to preserve the honor of the Armed Forces as a disciplined and respected institution that upholds Ghana’s democratic values and human rights obligations.
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