Ghana Peace
Ghana’s Defence Ministry has stated its intention to equip the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to about USD 1 Billion, and to recruit and enlist 12,000 more soldiers, for the tenure of the Commander-In-Chief (C-In-C) – President John Dramani Mahama.
The Minister for Defence – Dr (Medicine) Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, on an operational visit of Units under GAF’s 1 Garrison, on Thursday 17 July 2025, made the declaration, and also stated his intention to have GAF motivated, modernly equipped with adequate technology, and to be in their happiest state, by the end of his tenure.
The purpose of the tour was to give the Minister, his Deputy – Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Technical Director – Mr Emmanuel Kartey, and some Principal Staff Officers, the opportunity to ascertain the extent of problems as reported on paper, in order to prioritize efforts in addressing challenges of GAF.
Intentions are that GAF should be equipped with the manpower, logistics and infrastructure capabilities needed, to neutralize and secure Ghana from any violent extremism and terrorist (VET) incursions that the West African sub-region is generally confronted with.
On accommodation, the Defence Minister announced that the government has set a target of providing 10,000 out of the 17,000 housing units’ deficit for the entire GAF, by completing abandoned housing initiatives over the years, and also constructing new ones.
On reasons why his administration is unable to continue to recruit the 2021 backlog of potential recruits, some of whom completed their medical examinations, the Medical Doctor stated that besides the required age of entry, the mandatory medical examination loses validity after 6 months.
He added that the Administration’s uncompromised expectation of a high degree of discipline and professionalism of GAF, which he said strictly includes not providing guard duties for individuals who are not permitted, a querying those who deploy such personnel, is unnegotiable.
On feeding the troops, he said GAF, embracing Government policy dubbed “Enkuko Nkiti Nkiti” program (the state provides chicks to be reared into large poultry farming for food and income), would improve the nutrition of every Unit that embarks on the program, and farm yields would significantly reduce the expenditures on food items.
At the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), which was the first point of call for the Minister’s entourage, Dr Boamah emphasized the importance of the Ghana Navy (GN), even in peace time, providing protection and facilitation in Ghana’s oil and gas sector, from initial explorations to oil lift.
He cited some of GN’s role in the maritime industry; to enforce and maintain maritime security and check illegal unregulated unreported fishing, the part it plays in combating the trade of illegal drugs, and the smuggling of uncertified petroleum products along the West African coast – which may negatively affect automobiles engines of citizens.
He further listed challenges of ENC as provision of perimeter wall, sufficient reliable electrical power needed to power equipment to regularly surveil and monitor its Area of Operational Responsibilities, transportation and accommodation.
In dealing with VET, the Minister charged the Navy not to only check for VET activism through popularly identified routes, such as land or maritime borders, but also through riverine accesses.
At 1 Infantry Battalion (1Bn), Michel Camp, Minister Omane Boamah listed the challenges of the Unit as lack of new vehicles, accommodation, and the supply of adequate reliable electrical power, and an alternative.
On the poor state of the 1 Medical Reception Station (1MRS), which urgently requires an upgrade and facelift, and the need to install a dialysis center, the Minister advised the Battalion to undertake an evaluation exercise, to quantify the work to be done.
He also toured the 851 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment (EOD Regt), and the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) at Michel Camp, and the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS), Shai-Hills.
He also added that his visit to ARTS has helped resolve a lingering issue about the impending 12,000 personnel enlistment and recruitment – which he indicated would be regionally based – to significantly enhance the manpower shortfalls of GAF.
Two abandoned projects which obviously ruffled the Minister’s feathers were; an uncompleted accommodation project (32 units 2-bedroom apartments) at the Biekro Barracks, Tema Manhean; and an uncompleted pier – piece of land extending from land out over water, serving as a landing place for vessels.
Of the uncompleted accommodation projects, the Minister said the funds for the projects had been disbursed already; and of the pier which was constructed on the blind side of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, but is abandoned, without anyone showing ownership.
He applauded the Navy’s quest to be handed the pier, to be converted into a jetty, however, he urged for further investigation into the ownership of the facility, and the reason for the abandonment of the project.
Present at the engagements included the General Officer Commanding, Southern Command – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Isaac Nicholas Paintsil; Flag Officer Commanding, ENC, and 1 Garrison Commander – Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi; Commander, Army Training Command – Brig Gen Joshua Amanor;
Others were the Commanding Officer (CO), 1Bn – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Frank Adams; CO, ENC – Commander James Agrah; CO, BAD – Lt Col Issah Tahiru; CO, ARTS – Lt Col Ambitious Nazzar, amongst many.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
