The Minister for Defence, Hon. Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah was accorded a distinguished honour on Monday 10th February, 2025, as the Ghana Navy mounted a magnificent Guard of Honour for inspection during his maiden visit to the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The occasion marked a significant step in fostering stronger engagement between the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces.
It is also to reaffirm the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of the country’s gallant soldiers.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s visit was warmly received by Military High Command, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah.
In his address, the Minister expressed profound appreciation for the enthusiastic reception and commended the professionalism and dedication exhibited by the officers and men of the GAF.
According to him, this warm welcome underscored the strong collaboration between the Ministry and the military leadership in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the Armed Forces.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces.
Beyond the ceremonial proceedings, Dr. Omane Boamah engaged in frank and in-depth discussions with the Military High Command regarding key challenges confronting the GAF. High on the agenda were issues of daunting debts, infrastructural deficits, and opportunities available for institutional growth and modernization. These deliberations provided a deeper understanding of the pressing needs of the military and the urgent interventions required to enhance its operational efficiency.
As part of his official tour, the Minister visited the Army, Naval, and Air Force Headquarters, where he interacted with senior officers, servicemen, servicewomen, and civilian employees. He acknowledged their dedication and assured them of the government’s commitment to improving their conditions of service.
The Defence Minister’s tour extended to various project sites, including New Duala, Arakan, the adjoining sites for the Ordnance Units and the Band, as well as the Ghana Military Academy. During these site inspections, he observed numerous stalled and uncompleted projects, some dating as far back as 2010 (15 years ago) as well as dilapidated homes in urgent need of regeneration.
“These projects need immediate attention,” the Minister emphasized, calling for expedited efforts to complete ongoing construction works.
Dr. Omane Boamah also noted several impactful but unfinished initiatives that, if completed, would significantly improve the living and working conditions of military personnel.
Meanwhile, as the Minister engaged in these crucial discussions and assessments in Accra, a team of soldiers was deployed to the Asuokow community in the Eastern Region. Their mission was to assess the dangerous river-crossing used by courageous schoolchildren to reach their classrooms. This move underscores the Ghana Armed Forces’ broader role in national development and security, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities.
The Minister reiterated his commitment to undertaking a series of field visits to immerse himself and his team in the internal and external operational dynamics of the Armed Forces. This initiative, he noted, is crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation to address the challenges facing the military.
The maiden visit was not only a moment of honour and reflection but also a call to action. As the government intensifies its efforts to enhance the operational readiness and welfare of the GAF, expectations remain high for strategic interventions that will strengthen the military’s capacity to defend the nation.
