The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has shed light on significant financial and operational challenges inherited by his ministry, including a massive institutional debt and a questionable transfer of military ammunition.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 21, 2025, Dr. Boamah revealed that upon assuming office, the Defence Ministry was burdened with an institutional debt of over GHC3.7 billion (GHC3,790,415,326.67).
He further disclosed that a concealed debt of US$32.6 million (US$32,640,300.32), linked to the Ghana Armed Forces, was later uncovered by the current Military High Command.
“These legacy debts continue to constrain our ability to invest adequately in critical defence priorities and welfare infrastructure,” Dr. Boamah said.
In addition to the financial burden, the Defence Minister cited a 17,000-unit accommodation shortfall affecting members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
According to him, the shortage has a direct impact on the operational efficiency, morale, and dignity of service personnel.
“These are not just figures; they are realities that affect operational readiness, troop morale, and the dignity of service,” he emphasised.
Dr. Boamah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling these inherited challenges head-on, noting that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is implementing pragmatic measures to address them.
The Minister also made a startling revelation regarding an irregular transfer of military ammunition in 2024 from the Ghana Armed Forces to the National Security Secretariat.
He stated that the transferred ammunition has yet to be accounted for.
“We have kept our nation safe and stable notwithstanding the irregular transfer of thousands of rounds of military ammunitions in 2024 from the Ghana Armed Forces to the National Security outfit. Ammunitions which have since not been accounted for,” Dr. Boamah revealed.
He, however, did not specify the type or quantity of ammunition involved, nor whether investigations had been launched into the matter.
He also declined to provide further context on why the transfer was deemed irregular.
Dr. Boamah’s remarks come at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to re-equip the armed forces and improve the welfare of personnel.
He noted that despite operating with several unserviceable assets across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Ghana Armed Forces have remained steadfast in maintaining peace and stability.
Ghana, he concluded, is secure and poised for a new chapter under President Mahama’s administration, which he described as the beginning of a “golden age” for the country’s defence and security sector.
