Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has warned the Ghana Armed Forces, against the provision of security services to individuals not authorized by law.
The caution came during a working visit to the Eastern Naval Command under the One Garrison in Tema.
Addressing officers and personnel, Dr. Boamah emphasized the need for strict discipline and professionalism within the ranks, stating that unauthorized guard duties undermine the integrity of the Armed Forces.
“We expect a very high degree of discipline and professionalism from the Ghana Armed Forces, and we cannot compromise. This discipline also means not providing guard duties for individuals who are not permitted,” he said.
He made it clear that both those who assign such duties and those who carry them out will face disciplinary action.
“Those who provide the guard duties will be dealt with. Those who deploy them to provide the guard duties will also be dealt with,” Dr. Boamah added.
In a show of support for the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister announced a $1 billion investment aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the military.
The funding will be used to upgrade logistics, infrastructure, surveillance systems, and troop welfare.
“We are confident that with your expertise, your dedication, and the training that you have gone through and President Mahama’s vision of equipping the Ghana Armed Forces up to $1 billion we will be able to keep our nation safe,” he affirmed.
Dr. Boamah also highlighted the urgent need to address the housing deficit within the Armed Forces, which currently stands at over 17,000 units.
He called for the completion of abandoned housing projects and improvements in living conditions for military personnel.
“We cannot expect the highest standards of professionalism from personnel who lack basic housing. Addressing this deficit is a national priority,” he said.
The Minister praised the Navy’s role in safeguarding Ghana’s oil and gas infrastructure and combating maritime threats such as piracy and narcotics trafficking.
He stressed the importance of uninterrupted surveillance and called for investment in alternative power sources to support naval operations.
“Criminal elements are increasingly exploiting the high seas. We must match their agility with superior logistics and unbroken surveillance,”.
