In a move to restore professionalism and accountability within Ghana’s armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has announced the immediate withdrawal of
In a move to restore professionalism and accountability within Ghana’s armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has announced the immediate withdrawal of military protection for all civilians who are not officially entitled to such security detail.
The directive, part of the John Mahama government’s broader #ResetAgenda, was communicated by the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, in a public notice on Tuesday, July 15.
The new policy is aimed at eliminating what has long been described as the “misuse and politicization” of military personnel by individuals in public and private life—including former ministers, business moguls, political appointees, and influential civilians—who have enjoyed military protection outside legally mandated frameworks.
A Widespread Practice Now Under Review
For years, concerns have mounted over how some public figures, particularly those affiliated with political power, have been using soldiers as personal bodyguards or for escort duties.
In many cases, these deployments were done without official approval or contrary to the constitutional mandate of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The situation, critics argue, not only strains military resources but also undermines public trust in the neutrality and professionalism of the armed forces.
Dr. Omane Boamah, in the statement released via official government communication channels, made it clear that the era of impunity was over.
He warned that any military officer found to be engaging in unauthorized guard duties or performing roles outside their legitimate scope of operation would face “far-reaching consequences.”
Reset Agenda: A Broader Governance Recalibration
The policy is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which he launched earlier this year following his return to office in the December 2024 general elections.
The Reset Agenda is designed to reimpose discipline across state institutions, curb political excesses, and reduce wasteful spending in governance.
According to Dr. Omane Boamah, the Ghana Armed Forces must be a disciplined, professional, and apolitical institution dedicated to serving the nation—not private individuals or partisan interests.
“We’re committed to transparency and accountability,” the Defence Minister declared. “Let’s work together to promote a more disciplined and responsible use of our military resources.”
Implications for Political and Business Elites
While the Ministry did not name individuals who would be affected, insiders suggest that dozens of former ministers, party executives, and high-profile business figures are likely to lose military bodyguards under the new rules.
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Accountability
To ensure compliance with the directive, the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Armed Forces Council, has reportedly activated a nationwide monitoring system tagged #EagleEyes.
All military deployments are now expected to be documented and monitored, and soldiers are being instructed to activate their body cameras while on duty.
Furthermore, the Ministry is working with the Ministry of the Interior and the National Security Secretariat to coordinate enforcement and ensure that rogue operations are exposed and dealt with swiftly.
Public Response
Dr. Omane Boamah, however, remained firm in his message: “This is not about politics. It’s about restoring discipline, ensuring safety, and protecting the integrity of the Ghana Armed Forces.”
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