Defence Minister Boamah Announces Reform to Stop Misuse
Ghana’s Ministry of Defence, led by Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, announced on July 15, 2025, the withdrawal of military protection for civilians not legally entitled, including public officials, former ministers, and businesspersons, as part of President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda for transparency and accountability. The decision, shared via Boamah’s Facebook post, aims to end the misuse of military personnel for personal gain.
The policy, endorsed by the Armed Forces Council, affects those who previously benefited from unauthorized military escorts. Boamah warned that personnel providing unauthorized guard duties face severe sanctions, with enforcement supported by the #EAGLEEYES initiative, including enhanced body camera use. The move follows earlier actions, like reassigning Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa’s protection to police on July 5, 2025.
Boamah emphasized restoring discipline within the Ghana Armed Forces, urging public support to ensure the responsible use of security resources. The directive aligns with prior commitments, such as excluding the military from the Ablekuma North rerun on July 11, 2025, to avoid past election violence like the 2020 incidents that killed eight.
The reform addresses long-standing concerns about the politicization of security services, with Boamah citing the need for a professional military focused on national defense, not private interests. This follows his February 2025 pledge to limit military deployment in non-threatening situations, like football matches, prioritizing police for internal security.
The initiative has sparked mixed reactions. Some praise the move for curbing elite privilege, while critics, including former NPP officials, argue it may weaken security for key figures. The government remains committed to building a disciplined security framework, with ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance and public trust.