On January 7, 2025, Ghana entered a pivotal moment in its history with the inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The nomination of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah as Defense Minister signals a commitment to reinvigorating Ghana’s defense policies in an era of increasing regional insecurity. As Ghana seeks to enhance the professionalism, welfare, and operational effectiveness of the GAF, the new government’s vision of creating a highly conducive atmosphere for the Armed Forces to achieve its mission with professional excellence is not only timely but also necessary.
The turbulent security dynamics of West Africa and the Sahel—characterized by cross-border terrorism, insurgencies, and organized crime—present both challenges and opportunities for Ghana.
This op-ed outlines actionable strategies to support Ghana’s defense vision by focusing on six key pillars: training and professional development, soldier welfare and morale, modernization of military equipment and infrastructure, promotion of accountability and ethical leadership, addressing regional security challenges, and strengthening regional and international partnerships.
- Enhancing Training and Professional Development
A military’s greatest asset is its personnel. To address the complex and evolving security challenges of the 21st century, the GAF must prioritize comprehensive training and professional development.
The establishment of a National Centre for Advanced Military Training could serve as a hub for specialized training in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, disaster response, and peacekeeping operations. Collaborating with international military academies and hosting joint exercises with allied forces will expose Ghanaian troops to global best practices and enhance their adaptability.
Leadership development should be a central focus. By equipping officers with the skills to lead in complex operational environments, the GAF will cultivate a cadre of forward-thinking leaders capable of driving innovation and operational excellence.
- Improving Soldier Welfare and Morale
A professional military force is one that prioritizes the well-being of its personnel. Enhancing soldier welfare is essential for boosting morale, fostering loyalty, and ensuring dedication to national service.
In this regard, key initiatives should include:
i. Housing and Living Conditions: Renovating and expanding barracks to provide soldiers and their families with safe, decent, and comfortable housing.
ii. Healthcare: Expanding access to high-quality medical care, including mental health services, to address the physical and psychological needs of service members.
iii. Educational Opportunities: Offering scholarships and career development programs for soldiers and their families to ensure personal and professional growth.
By investing in the welfare of its personnel, the GAF will not only strengthen morale but also enhance its ability to attract and retain top talent.
- Modernizing Military Equipment and Infrastructure
Operational efficiency depends on the availability of reliable and modern equipment. The GAF must prioritize the modernization of its assets to address the demands of contemporary military operations.
A comprehensive review of the GAF’s capabilities should guide investments in critical areas such as surveillance technology, communications systems, mobility equipment, and unmanned aerial systems. Upgrading Ghana’s naval and air assets is particularly crucial for securing the nation’s coastal borders and airspace.
In addition to procurement, the government should work with the private sector to establish a domestic military-industrial base capable of producing and maintaining equipment locally. This approach will not only reduce dependency on foreign suppliers but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- Promoting Accountability and Ethical Leadership
Public trust is a cornerstone of an effective Armed Forces. The GAF must continue to uphold its reputation as a disciplined and ethical institution by promoting accountability and transparency at all levels. This can be achieved by:
i. Enhancing Oversight Mechanisms: Strengthening internal auditing and oversight processes to ensure the responsible use of resources.
ii. Ethics Training: Incorporating ethics and integrity into leadership development programs to reinforce the values of service and accountability.
iii. Community Engagement: Increasing public outreach initiatives to foster trust and understanding between the military and the citizenry.
By demonstrating a commitment to ethical leadership, the GAF will enhance its standing both domestically and internationally.
- Addressing Regional Security Challenges
The security challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel—ranging from terrorism to transnational organized crime—demand a proactive and coordinated response. Ghana must position itself as a leader in regional security by:
i. Investing in Border Security: Deploying advanced surveillance technology and increasing patrols along vulnerable border areas to counter smuggling and infiltration.
ii. Supporting Socioeconomic Development: Addressing the root causes of instability, such as poverty and unemployment, through targeted development programs in border regions.
iii. Enhancing Regional Cooperation: Advocating for stronger ECOWAS mechanisms to address shared security challenges and foster economic integration.
- Strengthening Regional and International Partnerships
In an interconnected world, Ghana’s security is inextricably linked to the stability of the West African region and beyond. To improve the GAF’s preparedness for cross-border threats, counterterrorism, and peacekeeping missions, Ghana must strengthen its role in regional and international partnerships.
Ghana should lead within ECOWAS by fostering joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations to address the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel. The GAF’s participation in multinational counterterrorism initiatives such as the Accra Initiative should be bolstered with greater logistical and operational support.
On the international stage, Ghana’s reputation as a reliable contributor to UN peacekeeping missions offers an avenue to deepen partnerships with key allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. These partnerships can facilitate access to advanced training, modern equipment, and technical assistance, while Ghana’s advocacy within the United Nations can highlight the need for comprehensive responses to regional instability.
Conclusion
The Ghana Armed Forces have long been a symbol of professionalism, discipline, and service. However, the challenges of the modern security landscape require bold and transformative action to ensure the GAF remains a pillar of national and regional stability.
By strengthening partnerships, enhancing training, improving welfare, modernizing equipment, promoting accountability, and addressing regional security challenges, the new administration can realize its vision of a highly capable and professional Armed Forces.
Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Honourable Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana has a unique opportunity to redefine its defense strategy, safeguard its sovereignty, and contribute meaningfully to international peace and security.
The time to act is now.
By: Dr. Jamaldeen Tonzua, Esq. MPP (Oxford), LLM (Georgetown Law), LLB & QCL (Ghana).
About the author
Dr. Jamaldeen Tonzua Seidu is an international law practitioner, a law lecturer, and a former military officer and assistant director for legal services of the Ghana Armed Forces. He has advised governments and trained troops for United Nations international peacekeeping missions on various subjects including the use of force, human rights, and international criminal law and justice. Dr Tonzua holds a doctorate in international affairs from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, with a specialization in international cyber operations. He also specialized in Transnational organized crime and global security (University of Oxford) and international arbitration and dispute resolution (Georgetown University). Dr Tonzua has received four United Nations International Law Fellowships, and he is currently a law, security policy, and governance fellow at the African Center for Governance and Economic Management.
