The Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, has directed the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to immediately withdraw military personnel assigned to protect private individuals and certain public officeholders who are not legally entitled to such security coverage.
Dr. Boamah issued the directive during a working tour of the Eastern Naval Command, where he emphasized the need for a more lawful and strategic deployment of military resources.
According to the Minister, the presence of soldiers guarding individuals without appropriate clearance stretches the already limited operational capacity of the armed forces and threatens to compromise national security priorities.
He noted that military personnel should not be assigned for personal protection unless explicitly authorized by law or presidential directive. This move, he explained, is part of wider reforms aimed at restoring order and purpose within the armed forces.
Dr. Boamah further stressed the importance of discipline across all branches of the military. He observed that recent developments demanded a recommitment to core values such as professionalism, loyalty, and integrity.
“The Ghana Armed Forces must return to its foundational ethos. Discipline is non-negotiable. It defines who we are and how the public perceives us,” the Minister stated during his address to officers and personnel at the naval base.
In highlighting the strategic role of the Navy, Dr. Boamah noted its crucial involvement in securing Ghana’s maritime borders, fighting piracy, and combating illicit activities such as illegal fishing and smuggling.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities through the provision of modern equipment and improved logistics.
He said the government will continue to invest in the Armed Forces to ensure their preparedness to handle emerging security threats both at sea and on land.
Responding to the Minister’s remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged the Navy’s full support in enforcing the new directive.
He assured the Minister that the Command remains committed to maintaining discipline and professional standards, while executing its mandate with diligence.
The Minister’s visit is part of a nationwide engagement with the various military installations, aimed at assessing operational readiness and aligning the defence sector with Ghana’s broader national security objectives.
