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Recognise, appreciate sacrifice of GAF, key reason for nation’s peace, stability —Defence Minister
The Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has called on Ghanaians to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), emphasising that their dedication is the key reason for the nation’s peace and stability.
Dr Boamah made the remarks during his maiden interaction with members of the Defence Press Corps (DPC) in Accra on Monday.
The Defence Minister urged Ghanaians to support and respect the Armed Forces, highlighting their contributions beyond combat roles. He cited instances where military engineers have provided rapid solutions to infrastructure challenges, such as bridge construction for isolated communities.
“Our soldiers work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure national security. Their role in disaster response, peacekeeping, and infrastructure development must be recognised and appreciated,” Dr Boamah added.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s resolve to complete all ongoing military infrastructure projects, some of which dates back to 2010.
He stressed the need to cultivate a culture of finishing existing projects before embarking on new ones, noting that proper financing should always be secured to prevent project abandonment.
“We must learn to complete projects as much as possible. When financing is unclear, projects remain unfinished, which should not be the case,” Dr Boamah stated.
He also mentioned innovative financing strategies, including leveraging climate funds for infrastructure projects that contribute to environmental sustainability, such as transitioning to energy-efficient lighting systems in military installations.
Addressing the housing deficit within the armed forces, Dr Boamah disclosed that the military requires about 17,000 additional housing units. He discussed various strategies, including potential public-private partnerships (PPPs) and mixed housing models, where some personnel may be deliberately integrated into civilian communities to enhance security while maintaining a strong presence in the barracks.
“There are advantages when security personnel live among civilians, as it deters crime. However, we must also maintain a significant standby force within the barracks to ensure rapid deployment when necessary,” he explained.
Dr Boamah expressed concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s environment, particularly water bodies. He revealed that pollution levels in some areas have reached unprecedented levels, making water treatment extremely difficult.
“The Ghana Armed Forces is ready and willing to assist the government in addressing environmental challenges. We need a collective effort to combat the illegal mining menace,” he said.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has pledged Ghana’s continued commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
She made the statement at the UN High-Level Meeting marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Dr. Lartey said the Beijing Declaration, adopted in 1995, was a bold vision that recognized the advancement of women and girls as key to peace, justice, and sustainable development.
She added that while much progress had been made, the journey to full equality was still not complete.
She explained that the commemoration was of special importance to Ghana as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country’s national machinery for women.
She also highlighted that Ghana made history in January this year when its first female vice president was sworn into office, describing it as a breakthrough that showed the country’s determination to give women’s voices space in governance.
According to the minister, Ghana has strengthened its legal and policy framework by passing the Affirmative Action Act in 2024 and adopting a new gender policy to guide actions from 2025 to 2035.
She added that protection systems had been reinforced through the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service.
She pointed to Ghana’s focus on economic empowerment through programs such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the School Feeding Program, and the Microfinance and Small Loan Centers (MASLOC).
Plans, she said, were underway to establish a Women’s Development Bank to expand financial inclusion and provide affordable credit, especially for women in underserved areas.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Beijing Declaration was not just a promise written on paper but a call to action.
She urged the international community to recommit to removing barriers and giving women and girls equal opportunities.
She affirmed Ghana’s commitment to a future where no woman or girl is left behind.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Donkor, has commended the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and his team for their professionalism during an operation that dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate.
Speaking at the Police Headquarters in Accra, DCOP Donkor said the success of the operation was due to effective teamwork and tactical execution by the regional command.
She stressed that their dedication and courage played a major role in bringing down the gang, which had been terrorizing banks and rural financial institutions across the country.
She further praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and direction, which she said has strengthened the fight against armed robbery and improved public confidence in the police.
DCOP Donkor assured the public that investigations are ongoing and pledged that the police will not relent in pursuing the remaining suspects still at large.
She called on Ghanaians to continue to support the police with information that can help in combating crime.
By: Jacob Aggrey
