President Mahama swears in reconstituted Armed Forces Council

President John Mahama has sworn-in the newly constituted Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Council and urged the members to prioritise ethical leadership and discipline across all ranks of the military.  

He said that the effectiveness of the armed forces hinged on the character, morale and professionalism of its personnel, and therefore, tasked the seven-member council to live up to their mandate.  

“It is not just the weapon or the size of an army that defines its effectiveness, but the character, morale and professionalism of its personnel.

“The strength of any military is built on the foundation of discipline, integrity, and ethical leadership,” the President added.  

The council’s inauguration at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, was in accordance with Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution which mandates members to provide strategic leadership and oversight to the GAF.  

Members

The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, chairs the council. Other members are the ministers of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Interior, Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka.

The rest are Brigadier Fuseini Iddrisu(retd), Warrant Officer Daniel Addo and Nancy Dankwa Ampofo.

Commitment

President Mahama said that the council’s policies and decisions would help shape the future of the military, and called on members to execute their duties with wisdom and commitment to national service.  

“The decisions you make as a council will shape the future of our armed forces. It is, therefore, imperative that you approach this duty with wisdom, integrity and deep commitment to national service,” he said.  

The President gave the assurance that the government would continue to invest in capacity building, modern military equipment and technology.

Additionally, he said infrastructure development, including improved barracks and training facilities, as well as enhanced welfare for military personnel and their families would remain priorities.  

Upholding standards

President Mahama further stressed the need for the council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency and accountability within the military.  

“Corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power must have no place in our military. Your leadership must inspire confidence, fairness and trust, both within the armed forces and among the Ghanaian people,” he said.  

The President said that GAF had earned global recognition for its discipline and professionalism, a reputation he urged the council to safeguard and enhance.  

President Mahama also emphasised the need for GAF to adopt a defence strategy that integrated innovation, data-driven security solutions and modern military practices.

He said the growing influence of technology in modern warfare and the importance of adopting same had become necessary.

“In recent years we have seen the increasing role of technology in warfare—drone technology, intelligence gathering, and defence coordination,” the President added. 
Resolve

The Chairperson of the council, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, pledged the council’s dedication to transform the military while maintaining humane and effective operational methods.  

“The GAF will continue to use methods that are humane and effective, including modern technology to enhance operational efficiency,” she said.  

The Vice-President also said that the council would provide sound advice on policy, strategy, budgeting, administration and promotion of senior officers to ensure GAF retained its esteemed reputation.