Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the solemnity of her appointment as the Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the council, she expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity to serve in this crucial role and assured that the council would discharge its duties with diligence, patriotism, and integrity.
She pledged her unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s security apparatus and ensuring effective military governance.
“This is the only swearing-in ceremony where we do not see family and friends taking pictures. The significance is not lost on any of us—this is a solemn event, not a celebratory one. We are dealing with the security of our nation, not just an appointment to be rejoiced over”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
As the first female Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, Professor Opoku-Agyemang affirmed her dedication to upholding Ghana’s military reputation and strengthening its global standing.
She stressed that the council’s role is advisory, distinct from the operational management of the Armed Forces, but nonetheless critical to shaping policy and strategy.
“Our task is to provide sound counsel on key areas such as defence policies, strategy, military budgeting, finance, administration, and promotions above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or its equivalent.”
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
She acknowledged the security challenges facing the country, including border threats, internal security concerns, illegal mining, deforestation, and chieftaincy disputes, all of which demand serious attention.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the need for strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation in addressing security threats.
She emphasized Ghana’s reliance on regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) to tackle security issues beyond the nation’s individual capacity.
“There are times when we cannot go alone. We must fall on ECOWAS, the AU, and engage in negotiations that ensure our personnel return safely and with enhanced expertise”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Addressing Military Debt and Infrastructure Challenges
One of the most pressing issues raised by Professor Opoku-Agyemang was the financial burden facing the Ghana Armed Forces.
She revealed that the Ministry of Defence is saddled with a GHS 3.7 billion debt, including an outstanding $275 million owed to food suppliers. This, she noted, poses a serious challenge to the military’s efficiency and welfare.
“We need to improve infrastructure, particularly housing, where we have a huge deficit,” she lamented. However, she expressed confidence in the military’s capacity to contribute to the national economy through innovation and skill development.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the potential role of the Defence Industrial Holding Company, a military-led initiative that requires private sector participation in food production, infrastructure development, and manufacturing.
She called on private sector stakeholders to partner with the Armed Forces in leveraging its human and technical capabilities to foster national development.
Military’s Role in the 24-Hour Economy
In line with the 24-hour economy policy proposal, Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged the Ghana Armed Forces to take an active role in national economic transformation.
She asserted that the military possesses vast skills, technical expertise, and discipline that can be harnessed in multiple economic sectors.
“The military does not lack talent or skill in any discipline. We invite them to champion the 24-hour economy by engaging in various productive activities, including agriculture, industrial production, and technology-driven solutions”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Acknowledging the rapidly evolving nature of security threats, the Vice President underscored the need for technological advancements in military operations.
She emphasized that the Ghana Armed Forces must integrate modern technology into its operations to enhance efficiency, intelligence gathering, and strategic defense planning.
She reassured President Mahama of the council’s commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces continues to adopt effective and humane security methods that align with Ghana’s democratic values.
“We want to assure our President that the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to employ methods that are both effective and humane, while embracing modern technology to improve operational efficiency”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Commendation to Outgoing Military Leadership
Professor Opoku-Agyemang paid tribute to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs, acknowledging their contributions to Ghana’s military excellence.
She particularly commended General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the outgoing CDS, for his dedicated service and leadership.
“We want to express our gratitude to all outgoing military leaders for their sacrifice and commitment to Ghana’s security. Though they may be leaving office, their knowledge and exemplary leadership remain invaluable to us”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Concluding her remarks, Professor Opoku-Agyemang called on all Ghanaians to support the Armed Forces in maintaining national peace and stability.
She emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, requiring active citizen engagement, policy support, and investment in military infrastructure.
“Our pledge as a council is to build upon the strong foundation laid by those before us, ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces remains a formidable force, respected globally.
“We invite all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and ordinary citizens, to contribute to the security and development of our nation”.
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
With her visionary leadership, commitment to national security, and emphasis on modernization, the Ghana Armed Forces is poised to maintain and enhance its role in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and contributing to national development.
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