channel247 online
Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward K. Omane Boamah, has disclosed worrying developments regarding missing ammunition within the Ghana Armed Forces and raised serious concerns about the security implications of arms ending up in unauthorized hands.
Addressing the media at the end of his working visit to key military institutions on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah confirmed the uncovering of a fresh case of ammunition theft, predating the much-publicized 2024 unauthorized transfer of arms from the Ghana Armed Forces to National Security without proper clearance.
“Just when I thought the 2024 issue was being addressed, another revelation has surfaced involving the theft of ammunition—this time, even before the previous incident,” he stated. “These matters suggest that some of the weapons found in civilian hands may not have come from their ingenuity, but from internal complicity by those entrusted with national security responsibilities.”
He stressed that ongoing investigations are being pursued with urgency, and assured the public that perpetrators will be hunted down regardless of their status or hiding place.
“The peace and stability of Ghana is far more important than the interests of any individual,” Dr. Omane Boamah said. “We will pursue this to the end.”
BAWKU CONFLICT
During his remarks, Dr. Omane Boamah also touched on the prolonged Bawku conflict, particularly its overlap between traditional disputes and criminal activity.
He noted that the Ministry and security agencies have now clearly resolved to separate chieftaincy-related issues from crimes committed under their cover.
“Anyone who commits a criminal act in the name of the Bawku conflict will be treated purely as a criminal. There will be no special consideration, no excuses. That’s the only way people will sit up.”
The tour covered multiple institutions, including, Ghana Military Academy (GMA), Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Kofi Annan International PeacekeepingTraining Centre and the Ghana Armed forces comand and Staff College
He described the visits as fruitful engagements, offering a rare opportunity to interact directly with personnel across ranks, hear their concerns, and act on both immediate and long-term needs.
At the Ghana Military Academy, the Minister emphasized the importance of recruiting only fit and healthy individuals, noting that training remains extremely demanding and life-threatening for the unprepared.
“We’ve had instances where some cadets, unfortunately, died during training. This is a wake-up call for families and the general public. It’s not enough to just wear the uniform — you must be physically and mentally prepared for the sacrifice.”
Dr. Omane Boamah also met with the Regular Career Course Intake 65, encouraging them to stay alert and focused in their final months and to pass on their knowledge to the incoming intake.
At TRADOC, discussions centered around standardizing military vehicles to reduce long-term maintenance costs, among other logistical and infrastructure concerns. He instructed that existing research at the National College of Defence Studies be reviewed to guide policy on procurement and sustainability.
At the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre , peace and security issues both within Ghana and the broader sub-region were discussed, including violent extremism and terrorism. These conversations again highlighted the growing threat of illicit arms circulation and the urgency to act.
The Minister concluded his visit at the Ghana Armed Forces Comand and Staff College where the focus was on building the foundation for Ghana’s National Defence University. He disclosed plans to fund this initiative through a mix of government budget allocations, infrastructure investment, and proceeds from defence industry operations.
He also directed that certain immediate needs, such as fixing the e-learning infrastructure, be addressed without delay.
Source:channel247online.com/Masopeh Jeremiah
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
