TIG Post

Tag: Ghana Armed Forces

  • You will continue to enjoy uninterrupted power supply – ECG assures GAF

    You will continue to enjoy uninterrupted power supply – ECG assures GAF

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has pledged to maintain a steady power supply to military installations and barracks to support the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces.

    Giving the assurance, Mr. George Amoah, Ashanti West Regional General Manager of ECG, noted that the military remains a key institution that is consistently prioritised in electricity distribution across the country.

    He indicated that the company would continue to take steps to guarantee reliable power supply to all military facilities.

    Mr. Amoah made these remarks when he led a regional delegation to the Fourth Infantry Battalion (4BN) in Kumasi.

    The purpose of the visit was to reinforce the strong working relationship that already exists between ECG and the military.

    The engagement also formed part of broader efforts by the company to strengthen ties with stakeholders and enhance service delivery both in the region and nationwide.

    During discussions, both parties examined challenges affecting the military’s operations, particularly issues related to power stability in the area.

    Mr. Amoah disclosed that ECG engineers had conducted patrols along the power lines serving the 4BN to detect faults affecting supply reliability.

    According to him, the inspection uncovered issues such as weak jumpers, deteriorated poles, overgrown vegetation, and undersized conductors.

    He assured that these faults would be promptly fixed to ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality electricity supply to the military base.

    Mr. Amoah further revealed that the feeder supplying power to the command has been classified as an essential distribution line.

    He added that the company would soon roll out interventions aimed at strengthening the network to ensure uninterrupted supply.

    He also expressed appreciation to the 4BN for supporting ECG’s asset digitisation exercise under the Customer Assets and Information Management System (CAIMS) project in recent years.

    Lieutenant Colonel Jenuni Emmanuel Wumbiedow, Commanding Officer of the 4BN, commended ECG for improving its communication with both the public and the military command.

    He also praised the company for its responsiveness whenever power outages affected the battalion.

    “As military personnel, we need constant electricity supply, as our operations would be difficult without it, especially, at night when we have to safeguard our equipment,” Lt Col. Wumbiedow said.

    He assured ECG of the military’s readiness to collaborate in any way necessary to ensure improved electricity supply to the command and the wider region.

    Ghana’s former power distributor, Power Distribution Services (PDS), has failed in its attempt to secure a judgement debt against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at an international arbitration panel in London.

    A report carried by citinewsroom.com indicates that the tribunal rejected every allegation PDS levelled against ECG in a legal battle that has dragged on for close to three years.

    The dispute began after PDS dragged ECG to the tribunal over the cancellation of the much-debated concession deal, which was introduced to inject private-sector performance into the management of Ghana’s electricity distribution system.

    That agreement, approved under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, was first suspended and later cancelled when it was discovered that the financial guarantees submitted by PDS were not genuine.

    PDS later claimed that ECG had no lawful basis to end the deal and demanded a declaration from the arbitration body that the termination was unlawful.

    The company further requested nearly $390 million in compensation — including direct expenses of about $39.4 million and an estimated $351.5 million in supposed lost profits.

    Lawyers for ECG, however, insisted that ending the arrangement was necessary and justified, arguing that PDS failed to verify the legitimacy of the guarantees that formed the foundation of the concession.

    In its final ruling, the tribunal sided with ECG, confirming that the fraudulent documents were sufficient grounds to cancel the agreement and dismissing all of PDS’s financial claims.

    In 2019, the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) terminated the Private Sector Participation Transaction Agreements with Power Distribution Services Ghana Limited (PDS).

    ECG therefore assumed full operational and financial control of the electricity distribution business in the Southern Zone of Ghana with immediate effect, a statement issued by the company on Wednesday, October 23, said.

    Consequently, all activities including metering, billing, distribution and reconciliation of bills, revenue collection and new service connections, which were hitherto undertaken by PDS have reverted to ECG, the statement added.

    He other activities are

    Disconnections and reconnections

    Faulty meter replacements

    Network faults and repairs

    Network Operations, Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation

    Complaints and fault reporting to the call centres and any other related services

    In this regard, all payments in respect of power purchases and other related activities should take place at ECG Regional and District Offices, ECG existing Customer Service Centres, ECG licensed vending stations, ECG operated cash points and ECG authorised Banks.

    The statement added that, all assets currently in the name of PDS revert to ECG with immediate effect and will be rebranded in accordance with the decision over the next few weeks.

    The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has indicated that greed and political interference led to the collapse of the Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal.

    Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, Mr. Jinapor noted that private companies becoming a third party in the country’s electricity distribution services was not the issue.

    However, the selfish decision by certain individuals corrupted the whole process.

    “We are not going to use the PDS approach in bringing in the private sector. PDS was not a bad approach in terms of private sector involvement. The only bad thing was that a few greedy individuals decided to cannibalise the process and to sell the shares among themselves,” he said.

    The PDS scandal traces back to October 2019 when the Government of Ghana abruptly terminated a concession agreement with Power Distribution Services (PDS) Limited. This agreement had involved the takeover of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) assets for electricity distribution across southern Ghana.

    The termination followed a forensic audit by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which revealed serious breaches of contract and concerns over the integrity of the process.

    In 2014, the Government of Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge Compact with the MCC, aiming to stimulate private-sector investment in the power distribution sector. Meralco, a company based in the Philippines, was selected as the concessionaire through an international tender process.

    To meet Ghana’s local content laws, Power Distribution Services (PDS) Limited was established, with Meralco holding a 30% stake and various Ghanaian and Angolan entities holding the remaining shares.

    As part of the agreement, PDS was required to meet 41 conditions precedent, five of which were critical for ensuring transparency and protecting Ghanaian taxpayers. Among these, Conditions Precedent 24 and 31 mandated that PDS provide payment securities in the form of a Demand Guarantee or a Letter of Credit issued by a qualified bank.

    However, the audit revealed that PDS secured an insurance guarantee instead—allegedly facilitated by a meeting chaired by ex-Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    A group of concerned Ghanaian citizens formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate Dr Bawumia

    The petitioners’ request to the Special Prosecutor highlights a key meeting, reportedly chaired by Dr. Bawumia, where the decision was made to accept a downgrade of the required bank guarantee to an insurance guarantee.

    This meeting was also reportedly attended by the Chief of Staff, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Energy.

    The petition alleges that this decision led to the eventual transfer of ECG’s assets to PDS under questionable circumstances.

    The insurance guarantee in question was purportedly issued by Al Koot Insurance and Reinsurance, a Qatari firm.

    However, subsequent investigations revealed that the guarantee was fraudulent, with the signatory, Yahaya Al Nouri, lacking the authority to bind the company to the deal. Despite this, the transfer of ECG’s assets proceeded, violating the agreement’s terms and international best practices.

    The petition further outlines the financial losses Ghana suffered due to the botched PDS deal. The audit report revealed that PDS’s local shareholders spent approximately $12.25 million to procure the fraudulent insurance guarantee, with $4.25 million allegedly taken from ECG’s operating accounts after the illegal takeover of its assets.

    The termination of the PDS agreement also resulted in Ghana losing $190 million in funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which was intended for critical infrastructure and financial recovery in the energy sector.

    In their petition, the citizens call on the Special Prosecutor to investigate Dr. Bawumia’s involvement in the decision to downgrade the payment security requirements, which they argue directly led to the fraudulent acquisition of ECG’s assets by PDS.

    They also demand an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the entire PDS deal, including the misuse of $4.25 million from ECG’s accounts and the overall cost to Ghanaian taxpayers.

    The petitioners argue that under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Office of Special Prosecutor Act, they have the right to request such an investigation. They emphasize the importance of holding those responsible accountable to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Ghanaian soldier injured in Lebanon missile strike recovering after surgery – UN

    Ghanaian soldier injured in Lebanon missile strike recovering after surgery – UN

    The United Nations (UN) has assured that the Ghanaian soldier, Lance Corporal Albert Abrefa Busia who got injured in a missile attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon is recovering.

    In a press statement the UN said, “Great to learn that Lance Corporal Albert Abrefa Busia of Ghana, one of the peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon who was recently injured during a missile attack, is recovering”.

    Last week, two Ghanaian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were seriously injured following an attack in southern Lebanon.

    The attack occurred on March 6, 2026, targeting members of the Ghanaian Battalion deployed under the UN peacekeeping mission. 

     In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demanded an immediate investigation into the matter while the government strongly condemned the attack.

    “The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ghana formally lodged a protest with the United Nations following the attack on the Ghanaian Battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Southern Lebanon on 6th March 2026, which left two Ghanaian soldiers seriously injured.”

    “The Government of Ghana has called for a full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on personnel deployed in the service of international peace and security,” Mr Ablakwa said in a statement dated March 6, 2026.

    While describing the incident as unacceptable, the government stressed that United Nations peacekeeping personnel must be safeguarded as they perform their duties of maintaining international peace and security.

    Officials also insisted that those behind the attack be traced and brought to justice, noting that the incident amounts to a serious breach of international law and violates the protections accorded to UN peacekeeping forces.

    The government also reassured the wounded soldiers and their families that efforts will be made to secure justice while discussions with UN authorities continue to ensure improved protection for Ghanaian troops on international peacekeeping missions.

    Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu also condemned the incident, stating that no nation or group should be permitted to assault non-combatants without facing consequences.

    Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that the attack on the Ghanaian contingent serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was unacceptable and must be examined by the United Nations.

    “No country is allowed to behave with such impunity and set about attacking non-combatants, people who have not shown any aggression and who are in fact there to keep the peace,” he said.

    He further pointed out that Ghanaian soldiers participating in UN peacekeeping operations have earned global recognition and have been involved in such missions for many years to help maintain peace and stability in conflict zones.

    “They are people who are there to keep the peace and they have done this for decades. It is an internationally recognised activity that they are engaging in.The activities do not pose any threat whatsoever to anybody within the region to warrant such an attack. As the country whose troops have been at the receiving end of this attack, we need to take it very seriously. That is why we have lodged this formal complaint,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed.

    Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, has also expressed worries about the credibility and future sustainability of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

    In an interview on Newsfile on Joy News on Saturday, Mr Simons criticised the attack but noted that it also brings into focus important concerns about the effectiveness of the peacekeeping operation.

    He explained that UNIFIL was initially established to stop further Israeli military advances into Lebanese territory and to facilitate the disarmament of Hezbollah fighters. Nevertheless, he said these central goals have not been achieved.

    “The action is utterly condemnable, and I agree with everything that has been said by the preceding speakers. But we must also ask fundamental questions about the credibility and viability of this particular UNIFIL contingent,” he stated.

    The mission functions under the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after the 2006 conflict.

    The resolution directed both parties to halt hostilities and proposed the disarmament of Hezbollah, while assigning UN peacekeepers the responsibility of assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability in the area.

    However, IMANI Africa maintains that the main provisions of the resolution have not been fully carried out. Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah remains armed and active.

    Mr Simons observed that stopping Israeli incursions would largely rely on pressure from the United States, which he believes has not demonstrated strong readiness to enforce such actions.

    He also raised doubts about whether any international actor other than Iran has the influence to push for the disarmament of Hezbollah. Under these circumstances, IMANI Africa questioned the ongoing purpose of UN peacekeepers in the region.

    Mr Simons further pointed out that the mission was already expected to conclude by the end of September, heightening concerns about the dangers peacekeepers may still encounter before then.

    “What exactly are UN forces still doing there as auxiliaries of the Lebanese army, which was their original mandate?” he asked.

    Following the recent attack on Ghanaian soldiers, IMANI Africa has advised the government to consider speeding up Ghana’s withdrawal from the mission.

    It described the situation as “double unfortunate,” warning that UNIFIL may no longer represent a credible international peacekeeping force under the current geopolitical realities.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it will continue to monitor developments closely while engaging with relevant UN authorities regarding the incident.

  • Gratuity arrears for retired military personnel to be settled on Friday – GAF

    Gratuity arrears for retired military personnel to be settled on Friday – GAF

    The retired personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will receive payment of long-standing gratuity arrears under Constitutional Instrument (CI) 129 on Friday, February 25, following government approval. 

    Gratuity is a lump-sum payment given to an employee when they leave a job, usually as a form of financial reward for long service or retirement.

    A total of two hundred and thirty-eight (238) officers and two thousand, one hundred and fifty-five (2,155) retired soldiers are expected to receive the gratuity arrears, which date back five years.

    The payments will be made in four installments from February 2026 to December 2027 under the new gratuity formula.

    The new development brings closure to a matter that had remained unresolved since 2020 and ensures that affected personnel and all others who will retire subsequently receive their full entitlements at the correct rate.

    This was revealed by the Department of Public Relations at General Headquarters, Burma Camp, the Ghana Armed Forces, in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25. 

    The statement said, “Government has approved and will commence payment of gratuity arrears for all retired military personnel under the implementation of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 129. The first tranche will be released by close of business on Friday, February 27”. 

    In a related development aimed at boosting welfare for another branch of the nation’s uniformed services, the Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced in 2025 a GHC 100,000 insurance package for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who sustain permanent injuries in the line of duty. 

    The scheme also provides GH₵50,000 for non-permanent injuries, GH₵100,000 for deaths in active service, and GH₵50,000 for natural deaths while in service.

    The announcement was made during his address as Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer at the passing-out ceremony of 1,658 recruits (Course 55) on June 20 at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown, Accra.

    Hon. Muntaka emphasized that the insurance package is designed to boost morale and ensure financial security for officers injured or killed in their line of duty.

    “This is just the beginning. We are committed to improving welfare packages, logistics support, and working conditions for our gallant fire officers, whose sacrifices often go unnoticed,” he stated.

    The ceremony marked the successful completion of 28 weeks of rigorous training, covering theoretical instruction and practical skills in fire science, first aid, fire prevention, electrical safety, breathing apparatus operations, and more. 

    Four recruits were recognized for exceptional performance: Samuel Kenneth Ayibontey as Overall Best Recruit, Anamfo Gerrard Adombila as Best in Academics, Emmanuel Addo Ahunu as Best in Foot Drill, and Anita Awagah with the Commandant’s Award for Best Conduct.

    Hon. Muntaka encouraged the new officers to uphold values of integrity, courage, and selflessness, emphasizing that their journey had just begun.

    He also highlighted challenges facing the Service, including prank calls to emergency lines and the need for public cooperation in fire prevention.

    The graduation of Course 55 represents a significant milestone in modernizing the GNFS. With enhanced training, improved welfare support, and growing public awareness, Ghana’s firefighting force is better equipped than ever to respond effectively to emergencies and protect communities nationwide.

    Together, these developments the disbursement of long-delayed gratuity arrears for retired GAF personnel and the introduction of a comprehensive insurance package for GNFS officers underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, security, and recognition of Ghana’s uniformed services.

  • 12,000 new military recruits to join Ghana Armed in 2029 — President Mahama announces

    12,000 new military recruits to join Ghana Armed in 2029 — President Mahama announces

    President Mahama has officially announced that twelve thousand (12,000) new Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel will be recruited by the year 2029.

    At the Ghana Military Academy Graduation Parade in Accra on January 31, 2026, for Regular Career Course 64 and Special Duties Course 62, President Mahama stated that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces will be strictly merit-based, with only qualified individuals given the opportunity to serve among the 256 new officers.

    “Over the next three years, approximately twelve thousand new personnel will be recruited nationwide, supported by the establishment of forward operating basis in strategic border areas. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to a professional, resilient, and well-equipped armed forces,” the President announced.

    President Mahama emphasized that the recruitment process would be conducted with transparency, fairness, and merit, warning that any form of influence, favoritism, or unauthorized hiring would not be allowed.

    He praised the graduating officers for their discipline and hard work during training, and encouraged them to maintain professionalism, loyalty, and integrity as they serve the nation.

    On matters of national security, the President urged all citizens to remain vigilant and support the security forces, especially in combating terrorism and other emerging threats.

    He stressed that protecting the country’s peace and stability is a shared responsibility, requiring active cooperation between security agencies and the public.

    In November last year, recruitment exercise conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) lead to a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.

     It claimed the lives of at least six individuals, with several others who got injured.

    Reports indicated that the incident occurred as thousands of young Ghanaians thronged the stadium, forced their way through the entry points in an attempt to secure enlistment into the Service.

    The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while several others received emergency treatment.

    The Ghana Armed Forces announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise.

    The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, was extended to November 7. GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1st via their official X (formerly Twitter). The statement titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads,

    “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

    Before the extension, GAF, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun, outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise were conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.

    It noted that it marked a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process, moving away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. The new approach, GAF explained, ensures equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

    According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers.

    GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

    The strong warning came against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.

    Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

  • We have begun probe into assault on Media General journalist at Walewale – GAF

    We have begun probe into assault on Media General journalist at Walewale – GAF

    Investigations have begun into the alleged unprovoked assault on the North East Regional Correspondent of Media General, along with other civilians, by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    In a statement released on Facebook, January 27, the Ghana Armed Forces acknowledged the incident and assured the public that investigations have commenced to establish the facts.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces is investigating an alleged assault on a journalist which was reported on Monday, 26 January 2026.”

    The incident, which was reported on Monday, January 26, 2026, reportedly took place at the outskirts of Walewale, an area that has recently faced rising insecurity following repeated attacks on public transport that have led to deaths and injuries.

    According to reports, soldiers travelling in an armoured vehicle and a military truck from Bolgatanga to Tamale allegedly stopped in Walewale and attacked the North East Regional Correspondent of Media General, together with other civilians, without any provocation.

    The soldiers are also accused of destroying property at the scene, including motorbikes and commercial vehicles, leaving residents frightened and unsettled.

    Further information indicates that the journalist was held for over four hours, during which images showing his injuries on his mobile phone were allegedly deleted.

    Nonetheless, the Armed Forces have urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to help maintain peace and stability, noting that the outcome of the investigation will determine any further action.

    In July last year, a police officer was captured on video assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary re-run.

    The Accra Regional Police Command reported that he has been formally charged with assault.

    In a statement issued by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs, the police said they analyzed multiple videos from the July 11 poll to identify all individuals involved in the violent incidents that marred the election.

    “In line with due process, the Police Officer captured in one of the videos, assaulting a journalist who was interdicted, has been held for criminal charges of assault.” the statement indicated.

    It added that statements were taken from complainants and witnesses, and victims were issued Police Medical Report Forms as part of investigations at the time.

    The Command noted that its gathered vital leads and assured the public of further arrests.

    The police also emphasized their commitment to holding accountable anyone found culpable of violence, intimidation, or electoral misconduct. They encouraged the public to share credible information via emergency lines 18555 or 191.

  • Mamprusi Chief removed from Bawku following Otumfuo’s recommendation

    Mamprusi Chief removed from Bawku following Otumfuo’s recommendation

    The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed the removal of confirmed the Mamprusi-installed rival chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, from Bawku in the Upper East Region.

    This move follows a recommendation by the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II as part of mediation efforts on the Bawku conflict.

    Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces have removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the Mamprusi-installed rival chief, from Bawku in the Upper East Region in line with recommendations from the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II–led mediation on the Bawku conflict.

    According to a statement released by the Ministry, Alhaji Seidu Abagre was removed on on December 24.

    “This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, pursuant to the recommendations of the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report regarding the Bawku affair,” the statement read.

    The Ministry has assured the public that “Alhaji Seidu Abagre is safe in the care of the security agencies.”

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the factions involved in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute to cease power struggles and work towards lasting peace.

    He made the call on Monday, December 1, at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi while speaking to representatives of the Mamprugu and Kusasi.

    “Whatever the outcome of the mediation, you will still have to live together as brothers and sisters,” he added.  Otumfuo’s engagement with the groups was to find lasting solutions to end the ongoing feud, which resurfaced in 2024 in Bawku, Upper East Region.

    The mediation talks began months ago. Bawku, which had remained relatively peaceful for a period, saw conflict erupt once more in late 2024. The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

    His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities. The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

    Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

    Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

    He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict.“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

    He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict.

    Meanwhile, the community of Binduri in the Upper East Region, along with surrounding districts, has recorded a series of murders in recent times, leaving residents in fear and panic.

    The victims were killed by unknown armed men, prompting the police to launch investigations to arrest the perpetrators. In a recent update, the Ghana Police Service has offered a one-million Ghana Cedis reward for information leading to the arrest of Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri who has been labeled the prime suspect in the ongoing killings.

    This announcement comes after a man, his wife, and their three children were murdered in Binduri, leaving another child in critical condition. The surviving child is currently receiving treatment at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.

    Earlier, on October 27, an elderly man and his two children were also killed by unknown assailants. Preliminary police investigations have linked these incidents to Mark Agingre.

    The police have urged individuals with information on Mark Agingre’s whereabouts to contact 191, 18555, or report to the nearest police station.

    Authorities have assured the public that the prime suspect and all others involved in the gruesome murders will be brought to justice. Taking to Facebook on Saturday, November 8, the police wrote, “Suspect Mark Agingre, a native of Binduri, is wanted by the Police for his involvement in a series of brutal murders in the Binduri District and nearby communities in the Upper East Region.

    Suspect Agingre is wanted in connection with the murder of a man, his wife, and three children on 7th November 2025, which also left another child in critical condition at the Bolgatanga Government Hospital.”

    It added, “He is further suspected of the murder of an elderly man and his two children on 27th October 2025 at Binduri. Preliminary investigations indicate that he may be behind several other targeted killings.

    “A reward of One Million Ghana Cedis GH₵1,000,000.00 has been earmarked for anyone who is able to share relevant and credible information that will lead to the arrest of the suspect.

    The post concluded, “Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station or call 191, 18555 immediately. The Police assure the public that every effort is being made to track down the suspect and bring him to justice.”

  • Death toll rises to 12 in GAF recruitment stampede – Report

    Death toll rises to 12 in GAF recruitment stampede – Report

    Reports circulating suggest that the death toll from the recent stampede during the ongoing Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, has risen to twelve. Earlier, the military, through a statement, reported six confirmed deaths.

    According to the report, the incident occurred as thousands of young Ghanaians who had thronged the stadium forced their way through the entry points in an attempt to secure enlistment into the Service. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while several others are receiving emergency treatment.


    The Ghana Armed Forces announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise.
    The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, was extended to November 7.

    GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1st via their official X (formerly Twitter). The statement titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads, “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”


    Before the extension, GAF, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun, outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.


    It noted that it marks a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process, moving away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi.

    The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.


    “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.


    According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers.


    GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.


    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”


    The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.


    Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.


    Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants.

    Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment. Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult.

    GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal. In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence.

    He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been slashed by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.


    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.


    He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.


    “Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised.

    The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.


    “All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.


    Meanwhile, the government has announced the commencement of recruitment for internal security agencies. The one-month recruitment exercise is scheduled to begin on November 15 and end on December 15. This was stated in a formal statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday, November 4.


    The Ministry of the Interior wishes to inform the public that from 15th November to 15th December 2025, applications will be received for recruitment into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service.


    The Ministry explained that, “This nationwide recruitment exercise forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s internal security architecture, enhance public safety, and promote effective service delivery across all security agencies. The Ministry, therefore, invites suitably qualified, disciplined, and patriotic Ghanaian citizens who desire to serve the nation with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to submit their applications within the stated period.”


    The statement also warned interested applicants to avoid middlemen who may claim they can influence the recruitment process, adding that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to proceed with the rest of the process.


    “Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited for screening, aptitude test, and background verification.Applicants are cautioned not to deal with individuals or groups who claim they can influence the recruitment process for a fee.

    “The Ministry of the Interior and its Agencies do not charge any fee at any stage of the exercise. Any applicant found to have submitted false information or forged documents will be disqualified and may face prosecution. Additionally, applicants who engage middlemen at any stage of the recruitment process will be automatically disqualified from the process,” parts of the statement noted.


    The general eligibility requirements for the Ghana Police Service are as follows: “ All applicants for the 2025 Ghana Police Service recruitment must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free of any criminal record. They should not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment, and must meet the age limits set for their chosen category by November 1, 2025.


    Also, “Male applicants are required to be at least 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, while females must be at least 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Candidates must be physically and medically fit, have five passes in BECE including English and Mathematics, and be ready to undergo basic police and other specialised training”.


    However, the Police Service has five categories of entry, including general duty recruits, tradesmen, graduates (general duty), medical professionals, and religious affairs. Under each of the above-listed categories are specific eligibility requirements as stated by the Interior Ministry.


    The common qualification across all tradesmen categories states that each applicant must not be more than 35 years old by November 1, 2025, and must possess a technical or vocational certificate (such as GES/COTVET, National Proficiency, City & Guilds, or NVTI) relevant to their trade.


    Ghana Prisons


    Recruitment into the Ghana Prisons Service also seeks professionals across several disciplines, including General Duties, Agriculture, Education, Legal, and Medical Services.

    All applicants are expected to be “Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. Candidates must have completed National Service, be computer literate, and physically and medically fit according to the Prisons Service standards.

    Applicants should be aged between 18 and 35 years by November 1, 2025, and must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment. Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres (5 ft 6 in) tall, while females must be at least 1.57 metres (5 ft 2 in).

    Candidates must also have an active e-mail account, a mobile phone number, and be ready to undergo paramilitary and physical training. Medical professionals are additionally required to have completed one year post-housemanship in a registered hospital or clinic.”


    Applicants seeking entry into the general duties of the service are expected to hold a first degree (at least Second Class Lower Division) in Humanities or Social Sciences and have at least one year of post-qualification work experience. Additional qualifications are considered an advantage.


    Interested applicants for the service’s Agriculture and Education sectors are also expected to possess a first degree (Second Class Lower or above) in fields such as Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, General Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanic, Agribusiness, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Economics, along with one year of post-qualification experience.

    Applicants for the Education sector must have qualifications in Basic Education, Early Childhood Education, or Guidance and Counselling, with at least one year of post-qualification experience.


    For legal officers, candidates are required to possess a law degree (LLB/BL) and must have been called to the Bar with at least a year of post-qualification experience. Medical professionals are mandated to possess a professional qualification, council registration, and some post-qualification experience.


    Ghana National Fire Service


    Eligible applicants for the Ghana Fire Service must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. They must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment and must meet the age requirements for their category: 18–35 years for Officer Corps, 18–32 years for non-Tradesmen, and 18–35 years for Tradesmen/Artisans, as of 1st November 2025.

    Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to Fire Service standards and meet the minimum height requirement of 1.73 metres (5 ft 8 in) for males and 1.63 metres (5 ft 4 in) for females. Applicants must also have five credits at BECE and five passes at WASSCE/SSSCE, including English and Mathematics, or the equivalent trade qualifications for Tradesmen/Artisans.

    Additionally, applicants must not be bonded by any organisation.
    Ghana Immigration ServiceThe Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) 2025 recruitment exercise is open to applicants under five main categories: General Duties (Graduate and Non-Graduate), Medical, Religious Affairs, and Tradesmen/Artisans.


    Categories A and B target university graduates ready for officer-level roles and diploma or secondary school graduates joining as recruits, respectively.

    All applicants interested in any of the five categories are expected to be Ghanaian citizens by birth, have no criminal record, be physically and medically fit, possess good character, not be bonded or dismissed from any public service, and meet the minimum height requirement of 1.68 metres for males and 1.57 metres for females.


    The internal security recruitment announcement comes a few days after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise.


    The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, has now been extended to November 7. GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1 via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

    The statement, titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads:


    “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”
    GAF announced its recruitment on Monday, September 29, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun.


    It outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.

  • GAF extends recruitment deadline by one week over portal’s technical challenges

    GAF extends recruitment deadline by one week over portal’s technical challenges

    The Ghana Armed Forces has announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise.

    The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, has now been extended to November 7. GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1st via their official X (formerly Twitter). The statement titled “Extension of recruitment deadline”  and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads,

    “The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period. The new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

    The service further apologised and appealed to the public for their usual cooperation.

    “The Armed Forces regrets any inconvenience caused and counts on the cooperation of the general public”, the statement added.

    How the recruitment process works

    Applicants, who must strictly be Ghanaians of good conduct, are to purchase electronic vouchers at GH¢200 from authorised Ghana Post outlets such as Accra GPO, Cantonments, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Tema, Madina, and TUC.

     The voucher contains a unique identity code which grants them access to the online application portal @ https://apply.gafrecruitment.mil.gh. They then log into the GAF recruitment portal to fill out personal details, educational background, and preferred service branch (Army, Navy, or Air Force).

    Required documents include a birth certificate, academic certificates, and a national ID. Meanwhile, the eligible age range for applicants is 18 to 25 years for non-trade roles, while trade applicants must be 27 years or younger. Physical fitness and medical screening are mandatory at later stages.

    What Went Wrong with the Portal

    Earlier reports suggested that applicants faced access disruptions, submission failures and slow response times .Some users couldn’t log in or load the portal due to server errors.

    Slow response times: High traffic caused delays and timeouts. These challenges informed the service’s decision to extend the deadline to grant equal access for all applicants.

    GAF announced their recruitment on Monday, September 29, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun.

    It outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.

    This marks a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process, moving away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

    According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers.

    GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

    The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.

    Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

    Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment. Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

    In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence. He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been slashed by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.

    He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.

    “Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised.

    The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.

    “All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.

  • GAF warns public to stay away from Bundase area ahead of live firing exercise

    GAF warns public to stay away from Bundase area ahead of live firing exercise

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has informed the general public, particularly residents of Dawhenya and its environs, that it will conduct a Land Combat Fire Power Demonstration Exercise at the Bundase Training Camp on Friday, 31 October 2025.

    According to a statement shared by GAF on their Facebook page, the exercise aims at testing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces in defending the country against external aggression.

    Adding that, “the exercise will involve the use of live ammunition, explosives, and heavy military equipment accompanied by loud sounds and visible flashes.”

    As a result, the public has been advised to stay away from the training area and its surroundings during the said period.

    The GAF further urged residents not to be alarmed by the sounds of gunfire and explosions which may be heard within the general area.

    “Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both residents and participants throughout the exercise. The Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public during this exercise,” GAF assured.

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has also drawn attention to the commencement of its 2025 recruitment exercise.

    A statement from the Department of Public Relations of the GAF urged the general public to check the detailed requirements for the exercise in the October 1, 2025 editions of the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic newspapers.

    According to the notice, information on the recruitment can be found on pages 15, 16, and 17 of the Ghanaian Times and pages 34, 35, and 36 of the Daily Graphic.

    The GAF further provided official contact lines; 0544338030 and 0240827344 for inquiries and directed interested applicants to visit its verified social media pages for more information.

    It also outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide, marking a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process,.

    The aim is to move away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

    GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

    “The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

    The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment.

    Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

    Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment. Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

    Meanwhile, on Thursday, September 18, a group of delayed recruits picketed near Jubilee House, demanding clarity on their enlistment status. They claimed to have passed medicals and interviews in 2023–2024 but had not yet been called for training.

    The protest highlighted frustrations over poor communication, with some recruits waiting for more than a year. Barely a week after their demonstration, the Defence Ministry announced a major enlistment exercise that is expected to address their concerns.

    In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence. He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been slashed by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.

    He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.

    “Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take Note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised.

    The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.

    “All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.

  • Military well-resourced, not lacking tools – CSA Deputy DG

    Military well-resourced, not lacking tools – CSA Deputy DG

    Claims that suggest that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are not equipped with the necessary equipment to operate effectively have been dismissed by the Deputy Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Jamaldeen Tonzua Seidu.

    Speaking to the media on Monday, August 11, Dr. Seidu, noted that such assertions are baseless and lack evidence, adding that, GAF is remain well-resourced to carry out their mandate.

    However, he maintains that there is still room for further improvement within the Armed Forces to enhance efficiency.


    “What’s the basis for saying we don’t have many operational aircraft or that they are not functioning well? Such conclusions may have no basis without evidential proof. We need to weigh what we have statistically against the overall operations they undertake, and then decide whether the Ghana Air Force should be commended.


    “Under very trying circumstances, our men and women in uniform particularly the Ghana Air Force are doing their best. We are probably doing well, but there is always room for improvement,” he noted.


    Many have raised concerns about Ghana’s aviation safety and the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces after a military helicopter crash claimed eight lives, including those of two senior government ministers.

    Background

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

    The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    As part of the 3-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9. The event was opened to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

    On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash. Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

    The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8. It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.

    Last week, the samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

    Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

    Recent development

    Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna—two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash—have been buried in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom and Practices.

    They were buried following the arrival of the DNA results on Saturday, August 9

    On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the forecourt of State House. Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.

    President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin attended the prayers, which were also attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads, among many other Ghanaians.

    At the burial site, President Mahama used the opportunity to thank all who were present and showed their sympathy to the family and country as a whole. He also expressed gratitude to the family for their patience in ensuring the DNA tests are carried out to aid the identification of the two deceased.

    “Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he added.

    Meanwhile, books of condolence were opened simultaneously on Sunday, August 10, at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO. The books will be open until Thursday, 14th August 2025.

    On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the remaining six individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident.

    Minister for Health Minister Akandoh and the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Sunday, August 10, received the DNA results for the remaining six deceased in the August 6 helicopter crash.

    They received the results at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Engaging the media, the Health Minister noted that the results have been received earlier due to the expedited efforts put in by the government.

  • Children cross river to school: GAF engineers visit Asuokow to access situation

    Children cross river to school: GAF engineers visit Asuokow to access situation

    Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has revealed that engineers from the Ghana Armed Forces have visited Asuokow in the Eastern Region to assess the difficulties schoolchildren face when crossing a dangerous water body to attend school.

    This follows President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to urgently resolve the issue.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, February 10, Dr. Omane Boamah reassured the public that the government is fully committed to finding a permanent solution.

    “Engineers of the Ghana Armed Forces have already visited Asuokow community (where young schoolchildren have to cross this water body to access school) in the Eastern Region,” he stated.

    The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to resolving the issue, emphasising that steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the children and the entire community.

    “As President John Dramani Mahama assured Ghanaians, we’re working to permanently and urgently resolve the challenge the people and the schoolchildren of Asuokow are facing,” he added.

    The military engineers’ visit is the first step toward creating a safer way for schoolchildren to travel, showing the government’s dedication to making education more accessible and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.

  • Russian gov’t purchases smuggled cocoa from Ghana – COCOBOD CEO

    Russian gov’t purchases smuggled cocoa from Ghana – COCOBOD CEO

    Ghana’s COCOBOD is stepping up efforts to address the growing problem of cocoa smuggling across the nation’s borders, with military assistance from the Ghana Armed Forces.

    COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, revealed that the organization has formally requested help from the Ministry of Defense as the situation becomes increasingly difficult to manage, despite the police’s efforts.

    Speaking in Kumasi, Aidoo explained that smugglers have been getting more sophisticated, citing an incident where cocoa was discovered hidden in fuel tankers attempting to leave the country.

    “We have written to the Minister of Defense, requesting military intervention. While the police and other security forces have been assisting, there have already been several arrests related to cocoa smuggling. Recently, cocoa being transported out of the country in tankers meant for fuel was intercepted,” he said.

    Given the severity of the issue, military involvement is now deemed crucial.

    “Cocoa is the backbone of Ghana’s economy. It brings in the foreign exchange needed to support our balance of payments. We cannot afford to lose our cocoa exports, especially since we heavily support local farmers,” Aidoo emphasized.

    The national Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Program will be spearheaded by the armed forces, with COCOBOD funding the initiative.

    Aidoo emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s cocoa industry, which is vital to the country’s economy.

    “This year, we supplied more than enough fertilizers, such as liquid fertilizer, insecticides, and fungicides. Cocobod also funded the pruning of cocoa farms. If cocoa is smuggled out of the country, how are we going to repay the loans we took to invest in our farmers?” he questioned.

    The loss of cocoa to smuggling not only threatens the nation’s foreign exchange but also compromises the investments COCOBOD has made in supporting local farmers with inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

    He also questioned how the country could repay the loans it had taken to provide these resources if cocoa continues to be smuggled out.

    He explained that the Russian military group Wagner, stationed in Burkina Faso, Niger, and other Francophone countries, is involved in buying smuggled cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

    With Russia banned from European markets, smuggled cocoa has found its way into new channels, heightening the urgency for tighter border controls.

    “Russia has been banned from entering the European market, which has led them to resort to smuggling cocoa. Countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, which do not grow cocoa, are now exporting cocoa. Where are they getting it from?” he asked.

    Confident that military intervention will make a difference, Aidoo reassured that the government is fully committed to safeguarding the cocoa sector.

    He also expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts to improve cocoa production will begin to show significant results in the coming year, benefiting both the industry and Ghana’s farmers.

  • Helping police during elections is not an attempt to incite coup – Ghana Armed Forces

    Helping police during elections is not an attempt to incite coup – Ghana Armed Forces

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have addressed concerns raised by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), regarding the potential threat of a military coup in Ghana, particularly if the upcoming general election turns violent.

    In a press release shared with GhanaWeb, the military dismissed the suggestion that its support for the Ghana Police Service during the elections could signal an attempt at a military takeover.

    The GAF clarified that it will only provide assistance to the police, who are responsible for election security, if formally requested to do so by the police.

    “Dr Akwetey is alleged to have said GAF has threatened to take over control of the country if elections in the country turn out violent beyond the control of the Ghana Police Service at press conferences held in 2016 and 2020. We wish to draw the attention of the public that GAF will only support the Ghana Police when the latter requests assistance and that does not constitute an overthrow of a government,” part of the release which was issued by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director General Public Relations of GFA on August 23, 2024, reads.

    The army also denied claims that it has publicly declared an intention to take control of the country if the elections become violent.

    “The allegation by Dr Akwetey cannot be true because the Ghana Armed Forces has not held any press conference at which it declared its intention to take over the country.”

    It added that it “has no intention to stage a coup and will prevent and resist any individual, group or organisation seeking to take over unlawfully the power of government either acting alone or in collaboration with any security agency.”

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) called on the public to refrain from using its name to escalate political tensions as the 2024 elections approach.

    “GAF, like all peace-loving institutions and individuals, is looking forward to peaceful elections come December 2024. We therefore call on all institutions and groups not to associate GAF with anything that has the potential of heightening political tension in the country,” the release concludes.

    What the IDEG boss said:

    In an interview with JoyNews on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey mentioned that the Ghana Armed Forces has, on more than two occasions, indicated that it would step in if election-related violence escalates beyond the control of the Ghana Police Service.

    He emphasized that these warnings from the military should be taken seriously, as they suggest the potential end of civil governance and the possibility of a military coup.

    “The Armed Forces of Ghana since 2016 have clearly and openly in press conferences threatened that if violence breaks out in the country over election disputes or whatever and the police cannot deal with it and it’s escalating or threatening, they will step in. And they said if they did so, it would be to protect the territorial integrity, our peace, and our national unity.

    “That would be a coup because the police cannot deal with nationwide violence. They are not equipped for that. It’s not about parliamentary elections, it’s about presidential elections because the president is elected throughout the country. And they have said that a second time in 2020 and probably even the third time they’ve even started talking about it so early,” he said.

    The IDEG boss added, “Read the papers, and you will see the threat is real in a sub-region where there is a drift towards the military or the return of military governments. And ECOWAS is facing some challenges in dealing with these issues.”

  • NPP’s PC for Amenfi East arrested for inciting attacks on security personnel

    NPP’s PC for Amenfi East arrested for inciting attacks on security personnel

    The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Amenfi East Constituency, Mr. Ernest Frimpong, has presented himself at the Regional Police Station in Tarkwa.

    A widely circulated video on social media showed him allegedly encouraging illegal miners (galamsayers) to resist and attack soldiers patrolling their sites.

    In the video, Mr. Frimpong purportedly claims that government initiatives such as #OperationGalamStop, #OperationVanguard, #OperationHalt I & II have been suspended, implying a green light for galamsayers to mine without interference from law enforcement, particularly the Police and Military.

    Furthermore, Mr. Frimpong promises to establish a WhatsApp platform for miners to report encounters with uniformed personnel, including soldiers, and pledges swift action from local authorities. He allegedly urges galamsayers to confront any officer attempting to halt their activities.

    The National Democratic Congress has condemned the video, urging the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to address Mr. Frimpong’s statements, which they argue could endanger security personnel.

    Following his appearance at the Western Regional Police Command, Mr. Frimpong has been questioned, charged, and is currently seeking Police inquiry bail. The Municipal Chief Executive for Amenfi East, Hon.

    Frederick Korankye, confirms Mr. Frimpong’s engagement with legal counsel to secure bail and cooperate with the investigation.

    Hon. Korankye maintains that the recorded audio, dated approximately two months prior, does not promote violence against Military personnel.

    “He was invited, my brother let me make this thing clear. The meeting went on two months ago so when he was invited he was not in the constituency. He was in Kumasi and came yesterday so he is with the Police and I’m sure he will be granted bail today. You can talk to the Regional crime officer about the charges,” Hon. Frederick Korankye said.

    He clarifies that Mr. Frimpong was not present in the constituency when invited by authorities, indicating that awareness of the video’s contents only emerged recently, prompting Police action.

  • Soldiers will defend themselves against attacks – GAF warns public

    Soldiers will defend themselves against attacks – GAF warns public

    Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the public in response to the circulation of viral videos on social media advocating for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel.

    This caution follows a charge given by the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, to illegal miners to beat up soldiers who attempt to halt their mining in the area.

    In a video that has gone viral on social media, the parliamentary candidate is seen at a forum with individuals believed to be illegal miners, advising them to resist military officers who claim they are there to patrol the area and attempt to forcefully remove them.

    He emphasised that no military personnel have been authorised to manage the sites at this time, so miners should fight back if necessary.

    Also present at this forum was Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who also heads the Security Council in the region.

    Reacting to this, GAF emphasised such actions are illegal and pose a threat to national security and stability.

    GAF cautioned that the consequences of such confrontations could be severe and stressed the importance of avoiding them.

    GAF reiterated that attacking or assaulting soldiers is a serious offence punishable by law, urging all citizens to respect, cooperate with, and support the Armed Forces.

    The statement called for public cooperation to refrain from engaging in or encouraging acts of violence against soldiers.

    The Ghana Armed Forces reaffirmed their dedication to the values of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation, as well as their collaboration with other security agencies to protect Ghana’s interests while respecting citizens’ rights and dignity.

    GAF encouraged the public to address their concerns or grievances through the Department of Public Relations, maintaining an open-door policy to address issues constructively.

    GAF-CAUTIONS-AGAINST-CALLS-FOR-ATTACKS-ON-SOLDIERSDownload

  • 114 personnel excel at Assistant Physical Training Instructors Course 77 at GAF Training School

    114 personnel excel at Assistant Physical Training Instructors Course 77 at GAF Training School

    114 personnel have graduated as Assistant Physical Training Instructors after completing a rigorous 15-week course at the Ghana Armed Forces Physical Training School, located at Whistler barracks in Teshie.

    During the graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2024, the students showcased their skills in a 5-kilometer steeplechase race and performed gymnastics displays, including head springs, splits, rolls, horse displays, individual performances, and various tricks.

    Rear Admiral Eric Adu, the Guest of Honor and Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC),

    Rear Admiral Eric Adu, the Guest of Honor and Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), commended the students for completing the course, which covered physical training theory, anatomy and physiology, gymnastics, and the rules and laws of major games and sports.

    He emphasized the importance of continuing to improve their skills, as many of them would return for the advanced physical instructors’ course.

    Rear Admiral Adu advised the graduates to actively participate in unit sporting activities to enhance their knowledge and confidence in coaching and officiating. He also thanked the participants from other security services for their competitive spirit during the course.

    The graduation ceremony featured awards for outstanding students. Trooper Eshun Samuel received the overall best student award, Sapper Owusu Clement Mensah received the best in gymnastics and first runner-up award, and SEMT (Senior Emergency Medical Technician) Okyere Samuel from the Ghana Ambulance Service received the Best Allied Student award.

    The graduating class included personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Ghana Ambulance Service, and Ghana Ports and Harbor Authority.

  • Police arrest suspect in connection with fatal shooting of a soldier in Kasoa

    Police arrest suspect in connection with fatal shooting of a soldier in Kasoa

    The Ghana Police Service has apprehended a suspect linked to the tragic shooting of a soldier in Millennium City, Kasoa, situated in the Central Region.

    In a statement issued on May 1, 2024, authorities disclosed that the incident transpired on April 30, 2024, around 4:20 pm, with the suspect identified as Benlord Ababio allegedly discharging gunfire that critically wounded the soldier.

    Despite immediate medical intervention at Kasoa’s Mother and Child Hospital, the soldier succumbed to the injuries sustained.

    Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that Benlord Ababio purportedly shot the soldier at Millennium City on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in the afternoon.

    He is currently in police custody aiding further inquiries.

    The police assured the public of ongoing updates as the investigation progresses, with communication established between police and Ghana Armed Forces leadership.

    See post below:

    Here are some other details GhanaWeb has come across on the murder of the soldier:

    Two other soldiers survived the shooting

    Two other soldiers were involved in the incident. They reportedly were in the car during the gun attack but survived.

    Their current whereabouts are unknown.

    Shot by a sub-chief alleged to be a landguard

    According to Adom News, the soldiers were shot at by an alleged landguard, who is also a sub-chief.

    The bullet hit the soldier who was driving.

    A video circulating on social media shows the officer slumped in his seat with the car in a ditch, presumably after the driver lost control.

    The rear glass is shattered, and blood is visible from the head region of the deceased.

    The car is left on a deserted road, with the two other officers not in sight.

  • Man narrates how a soldier stopped him from rescuing more victims from GAF helicopter ‘crash’

    Man narrates how a soldier stopped him from rescuing more victims from GAF helicopter ‘crash’

    A courageous man from Bonsukrom in the Ahanta West Municipality shared his account of being hindered by a soldier while attempting to save more victims of a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel helicopter crash.

    The unidentified man recounted observing a helicopter from afar as it made an abrupt landing in their community, its front end pointing downward.

    He believed it was due to a brake failure.

    In a bid to minimise damage, an emergency landing was executed, resulting in injuries to those on board.

    The man managed to rescue nine individuals but was halted by a soldier while trying to save others.

    He expressed concern that had the soldier perished, blame might have been wrongly placed on him.

    “I witnessed the helicopter making a sudden stop, indicating a potential crash due to brake failure. Despite managing to save nine victims, I was prevented from aiding the tenth, despite his critical condition,” the man narrated.

    A Ghana Air Force helicopter crash-landed in Bonsokrom, within the Ahanta West Municipality in the Western Region.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter, which was reportedly carrying 14 individuals, including staff from the Petroleum sector regulators, landed in a bush near the Bonsokrom community.

    Despite the alarming nature of the incident, all personnel and crew onboard the aircraft are safe and have been rescued by Air Force personnel.
    The crash site has been cordoned off from public access by Air Force personnel.

    Details regarding the flight’s origin and destination remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the helicopter was en route from offshore locations to Takoradi or was travelling from Takoradi to Accra at the time of the crash.

    However, an official statement by the Ghana Armed Forces disclosed that on board were 21 passengers made up of staff of Ghana National Gas Company who were returning from a routine inspection of Atuabo gas plant when an emergency landing occurred.

    See video below:

  • GAF in search of family of man receiving healthcare at 37 Military hospital

    GAF in search of family of man receiving healthcare at 37 Military hospital

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reached out to the public to gather more information about a patient who, until recently, had been referred to as ‘unknown Monday’ at the 37 Military Hospital. 

    The individual has now been identified as Appiah.

    This patient was urgently admitted to the trauma and surgical unit in November of the previous year by an unknown individual.

    Since then, the 37 Military Hospital staff has been tirelessly providing care and support to him.

     Despite their efforts, attempts to trace his family have proven unsuccessful, leaving the hospital with limited information about his background and medical history.

    Speaking to the media, GAF urged anyone with relevant information about Appiah to come forward and assist in filling the gaps regarding his identity and contacts.

    The hospital staff, through their unwavering dedication, has been able to bring him to a point where he is now ready for discharge.

    “He was brought in in November last year by an unknown person through the Trauma and Surgical Emergency Unit and then he was subsequently admitted to the NeuroSurgical Ward. The person who brought him was initially cooperating but along the line stopped. So we have been able to take care of him till a point that he was worthy to go home. 

    “There wasn’t anybody coming so through our Command and the Department of Public Relation we were able to send a picture of him to the social media and then people started coming. Before now he was known as unknown Monday but when his friend showed up he was able to tell that he is called Appiah.

  • Carrying out your duties demands professionalism – Outgone CDS to military officers

    Carrying out your duties demands professionalism – Outgone CDS to military officers

    Members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been urged to uphold professionalism in the execution of their duties.

    In light of recent reports of emerging threats and strained military-civilian relations, a stern caution has been issued to GAF officers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence within the country.

    As Ghana gears up for the 2024 general elections, the departing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, has called for the leadership of GAF to demonstrate loyalty and a high level of professionalism.

    These remarks were delivered during a ceremony in Accra on February 1, where Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah was sworn in as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

  • Presidency dispels reports of Akufo-Addo orchestrating politically motivated changes in military leadership

    Presidency dispels reports of Akufo-Addo orchestrating politically motivated changes in military leadership

    The Presidency has issued a formal response to accusations alleging a deliberate attempt to orchestrate politically motivated changes within the hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces. 

    The unfolding controversy has prompted a clarification from the highest office, seeking to address concerns and provide insights into the recent developments within the military leadership.

    The assertion implied a purported plan to deploy the military to suppress citizens during the December 7 elections.

    The publication also alleged a meeting at the Presidency on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, to discuss these purported politically motivated changes in the military.

    In reaction, a statement signed by the Presidency’s Communications Director said the President did hold a meeting with Heads of Security agencies at Jubilee House on January 2, 2024.

    However, it added that the meeting is an annual feature on the President’s calendar at the beginning of the New Year, and involves the Heads of Security agencies offering their best wishes for the coming year.

    “At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation,” the statement signed by Eugene Arhin explained.

    Contrary to the allegations on social media, the Presidency said no discussions about changes to the hierarchy of the Armed Forces took place during this meeting.

    “It is imperative to note that a change in the leadership of the Armed Forces is embarked upon by the President in accordance with the Constitution and well-established conventions, devoid of any political considerations. Any future change made in this regard will not be a new phenomenon that should warrant unfounded speculations.”

    The Akufo-Addo-led administration pledged to maintain this reputation by ensuring the Ghana Armed Forces operate free from partisanship.

    The statement further conveyed the President’s reassurance that the 2024 general elections will be free, fair, and transparent.

    “In the interest of safeguarding the peace and stability of Ghana, the public is urged to disregard such unfounded speculations and publications aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces,” the Presidency concluded.

  • GAF receives rockets and vehicles from Chinese company

    GAF receives rockets and vehicles from Chinese company

    A Chinese firm has generously contributed Ground Artillery Equipment (GAE) to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Battle Training Camp in Bundase.

    The donation, a significant step to reinforce Ghana’s defense capabilities, was presented by Mr. Gu Jia, the Division Director of MESSRS Poly Technologies Incorporated, China, on December 7, 2023.

    Accompanied by representatives from B&G African Trading, Mr. Gu Jia handed over a suite of newly acquired equipment to the GAF, including 122 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), one Reconnaissance Vehicle, one Command Vehicle, along with 7200x122mm rockets, spare parts, and essential accessories.

    Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Michael Appiah-Agyekum, the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) in-charge of Administration at the General Headquarters, expressed sincere gratitude as the Guest of Honour.

    He acknowledged the companies’ invaluable support in fortifying Ghana’s defense system and highlighted the crucial role of the equipment in enhancing and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

    AVM Michael Appiah-Agyekum emphasized that ongoing efforts, including acquiring strategic equipment and personnel training, aim to resource the GAF operationally and provide essential welfare packages for troops during their service.

    He noted the critical timing of the equipment acquisition, aligning with a period of increased terrorism and trans-organized crime in the sub-region. AVM Appiah-Agyekum stressed that the equipment would significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the GAF, positioning it effectively to handle any aggressive force.

    Brigadier General Barima Brako Owusu, the Chief Staff Officer at Army Headquarters, urged troops to uphold a high level of professionalism in their duties and emphasized the importance of proper maintenance for the newly acquired GAE.

  • Ghana Armed Forces and police collaborate for peaceful 2024 elections

    Ghana Armed Forces and police collaborate for peaceful 2024 elections

    The Commander Rear of the 66 Artillery Regiment of Volta Barracks and Oti in the Ghana Armed Forces, LT COL JD Ibrahim, has affirmed the commitment of his personnel to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to ensure a peaceful electoral process in 2024.

    Speaking at the 2023 West Africa Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) held at the 66 Artillery Regiment at Volta Barracks, LT Col Ibrahim emphasized the importance of security agencies working together to safeguard the integrity of elections.

    The meeting included the national election security task force, chaired by the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa.

    LT COL JD Ibrahim assured that the security agencies, in collaboration with the GAF and other relevant bodies, would diligently work to ensure the 2024 elections remain peaceful and free from incidents.

    While clarifying that the military wouldn’t play a direct role in election security, LT COL JD Ibrahim affirmed their preparedness to assist the Police if called upon.

    Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, LT COL JD Ibrahim outlined the Armed Forces’ role as being in the background, providing support to the Police and other security services. He assured that the military would be ready to act as necessary when called upon, aligning their actions with constitutional mandates.

    The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, as the guest of honour, expressed his belief that the Regiment, led by Commander Rear LT COL JD Ibrahim, should remain politically neutral and professional as the country approaches next year’s election.

    He pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the military in the discharge of their duties in the Volta Region.

  • GAF unveils locally designed mini jeep

    GAF unveils locally designed mini jeep

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has unveiled a locally manufactured mini Jeep, providing a convenient mode of transportation within the barracks.

    Warrant Officer Class One, Awal Mohammed, is the skilled creator behind this innovative Jeep, which boasts low fuel consumption and is priced at GH¢60,000.00.

    The unveiling took place during the West African Security Social Activity (WASSA).

    This unique vehicle is a modified version of the commonly used local tricycle, also known as “Aboboyaa.”

    Each military unit under the command will receive one of these Jeeps to facilitate their day-to-day activities.

    The Jeep, given the code name GAMIJ (Ghana Army Mini Jeep), underwent testing with Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Nii Dzasetse of La, Major General Rtd Samuel Odotei, the guest speaker, and other dignitaries on board.

  • Locally made mini Jeep outdoored by GAF

    Locally made mini Jeep outdoored by GAF

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commissioned a locally made mini Jeep, known as the “Ghana Army Mini Jeep” (GAMIJ), designed to provide easy transportation within the barracks.

    Warrant Officer Class One Awal Mohammed, a driver with GAF, is credited with manufacturing the jeep, which is a modification of the locally used tricycle or “Aboboyaa.”

    The GAMIJ, with low fuel consumption, is priced at GH¢60,000.00 and is intended for use by military units for various errands within the barracks.

    The vehicle was unveiled during the West African Security Social Activity (WASSA).

  • Kofi Amoabeng flaunts muscles at gym

    Kofi Amoabeng flaunts muscles at gym

    Former military officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has recently been seen hitting the gym, where he offered advice to Ghanaians on the importance of maintaining physical fitness.

    A Twitter post, shared by the former military officer, showcased Prince Kofi Amoabeng flexing his muscles and grooving to the rhythm of a song post his workout session.

    The 71-year-old businessman advised Ghanaians not to see their ages as setbacks in achieving their goals.

    He captioned the video: “You shouldn’t put an age limit on your dreams. Allow God to use you at any age; just make sure you stay FIT. I believe that is what God expects from us. Have a great weekend. Merry Christmas. #71+ younger,” he said.

    Popularly known as a former military officer, Prince Kofi Amoabeng gained traction as the co-founder of UK Bank, which collapsed amidst Ghana’s banking crisis.

    In 2020, Kofi Amoabeng was accused of embezzling GHC59.9 million from UT Bank. He was later arrested but was fortunate to be released on bail.

    Aside from being a businessman, he is also known for writing the books, “The UT Story: Humble Beginnings,” and “The UT Story: Building A Winning Team.”

  • National Service Scheme, Ghana Armed Forces to partner in food production

    National Service Scheme, Ghana Armed Forces to partner in food production

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, has revealed plans for the Armed Forces to partner with the National Service Scheme in an initiative aimed at producing food to address food security challenges in the country.

    The announcement was made during a durbar at the Labadi Trade Fair Centre, where the Ghana Armed Forces, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS), conducted a clean-up exercise in Ashaiman, Ledzokuku, and LADMA with support from other security agencies and Zoomlion.

    The clean-up initiative involved clearing choked gutters, removing bushes, and sweeping filthy locations in the communities. Additionally, free health screenings were offered to residents in the areas where the clean-up exercises were conducted.

    Vice Admiral Seth Amoama emphasized the commitment of the Armed Forces to maintain peace with their neighbors and pledged ongoing engagement with people in operational areas. He expressed a dedication to sustaining the clean-up efforts to support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

    The CDS also highlighted plans to provide military training to prospective NSS personnel to instill discipline in the youth, contributing to national development.

    Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Service Scheme, commended the clean-up exercise and free health screenings, affirming the NSS’s readiness to engage in agricultural projects.

    He lauded the collaboration with the military and urged Ghanaians to adopt military discipline for improved lives. Mr. Osei Assibey pledged to strengthen ties between the NSS and the Armed Forces in various capacities.

    Background

    It has scheduled a number of events to help celebrate the year-long anniversary as part of the celebrations for the NSS’s 50th anniversary.

    Among these was the cleanup operation with the armed forces and other collaborators.

  • Ghana Armed Forces refute allegations of civilian brutality

    Ghana Armed Forces refute allegations of civilian brutality

    Claims of military officers brutalizing civilians have been denied by the Ghana Armed Forces. The rejection comes in response to reported instances of military brutality in locations such as Ashaiman, Garu, and Ejura, according to citinewsroom.com.

    In an interview conducted in Kumasi, Brigadier General Charles Agyemang Prempeh, the General Officer Commanding the central command of the Ghana Armed Forces, emphasized the military’s dedication to preserving the nation’s peace.

    Despite public criticism of their interactions with civilians, he reiterated that the military’s primary goal is to ensure public safety and maintain order in society without causing harm to civilians.

    “The military doesn’t go out there to brutalize civilians, that is far from the point. We go out there to ensure that we restore law and order. We do these as internal security operations to support the Police and when we out there we use minimum force,” he added.

    Brigadier General Charles Agyemang Prempeh clarified that claims of military personnel engaging in misconduct, including armed robbery and other social offenses, cannot be applied to the Ghana Armed Forces as a whole.

    He outlined the procedures followed by the military in looking into these occurrences and disciplining those responsible when necessary.

    “The military doesn’t engage in armed robbery, the individual goes out there to do his things, the military has a way to correct infractions and therefore when these things come to our attention we take the necessary measures according to our disciplinary procedures to engage the individual and correct him,” he asserted.

  • Director of Navy Religious Affairs launches four books

    Director of Navy Religious Affairs launches four books

    On November 1, 2023, Commander David Benedict Quayson, the Director of Navy Religious Affairs, successfully launched four books at Burma Hall.

    The books unveiled include “The Ghana Armed Forces Spousal Handbook,” “Marriage In God’s Way,” “Institutional Chaplaincy In Africa,” and “Skills Training Handbook.”

    Representing the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, who served as the Guest of Honour, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of the Army Staff, stated that the book launch was well-timed as it addresses contemporary issues relevant to the Armed Forces and the lives of its personnel.

    He noted that “Institutional Chaplaincy in Africa” delves deeply into the topic of military chaplaincy from an African perspective, contributing to the existing body of literature on chaplaincy and offering a fundamental understanding of military chaplaincy.

    The event was chaired by Right Reverend Professor Joseph Manasseh Yaakwa Adusa Ayison, the Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana.

    Other notable figures in attendance included Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Ambassador Major General Francis Adu Amanfoh (Retired), Special Advisor to the President for the Accra Initiative, Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, retired Generals, Bishops of the Methodist Church Ghana, and senior officers from the Ghana Armed Forces.

  • Soldier accused of fraud found dead in unit’s guardroom

    Soldier accused of fraud found dead in unit’s guardroom

    A soldier from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), who was under investigation for alleged fraud, has been discovered deceased.

    The lifeless body of the soldier, identified as a Lance Corporal, was found in the unit’s guardroom at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023.

    A press statement, signed by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quashie, Director General of the Public Affairs Directorate, confirmed that the deceased soldier’s body had been transported to the 37 Military Hospital Mortuary.

    The statement indicated that initial inquiries revealed that the soldier, who was the subject of several fraud cases, had been placed in closed custody on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at around 7:30 pm, following a report of fraud by a civilian staff member at his Regiment.

    It further stated that a team comprising members of the Ghana Military Police and CID personnel from the Teshie Divisional Police Headquarters had been dispatched to the scene to conduct investigations.

  • GAF sorry for attacks on journalists

    GAF sorry for attacks on journalists

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have issued an apology to all journalists who have endured physical abuse and harassment at the hands of military personnel.

    The Armed Forces have declared such actions as unacceptable and have committed to addressing them.

    During a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Chief of Defense Staff Vice Admiral Seth Amoama expressed regret over such incidents.

    A 2020 digital rights report conducted by iWatch Africa highlighted that journalists in Ghana frequently face substantial levels of online abuse, with female journalists being particularly vulnerable.

    The report revealed that the ratio of female journalists facing digital abuse was 1:61, while the ratio for male journalists was 1:28.

    Female journalists in Ghana often encounter misogynistic comments regarding their appearance, gender, and sexuality.

    They are also more likely to receive threats of sexual violence and other forms of harm.

    In December 2020, Afia Pokua, a prominent female journalist with the Despite Media Group in Ghana, expressed her frustration on Facebook regarding what she perceived as the Ghana Journalism Association’s inadequate protection of journalists.

    She posted, “…if I die and come back, I will never return as a journalist!”

    In 2021, Kenneth Ashigbey, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, proposed that Ghanaian journalists might have to explore seeking remedies at the international level if domestic state institutions continued to fall short in delivering justice in cases of abuse or torture.

    Ashigbey referred to a specific case in which the ECOWAS court ruled against The Gambia, compelling it to pay a compensation of $100,000 to two journalists and their families who had suffered torture during the rule of Yahya Jammeh.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfUtKn03dGQ
  • Army readying to deal with terrorism with training exercises

    Army readying to deal with terrorism with training exercises

    General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Brigadier General Michael Ayisi Amoah, has stated that the routine field training exercises conducted by the army are aimed at preparing troops to effectively address potential terrorism threats.

    Brig Gen Ayisi emphasized that the army’s ability to respond to both domestic and external threats to the country relies on these training exercises. This training is essential to keep personnel vigilant and enhance their overall readiness to tackle such threats.

    “This is to test our level of readiness, skills and preparations for any eventuality. We have been faced with terrorist threats, secessionism and other threats that have the potency of destabilising our country. As mandated by our constitution, we are the primary institution to ensure both internal and external stability, peace and tranquillity and so it is good that we train hard”, he said. 

    The GOC elaborated on this during an interview conducted on the second day, which also marked the culmination of the 2023 Exercise Kullum Shiri. This exercise took place at the 64 Infantry Battalion Training Camp in Asutuare, located in the Greater Accra Region.

    He further suggested that the nation should engage in a thorough analysis of potential threats, create diverse scenarios, and devise corresponding strategies. These measures would aid in the development of additional contingency plans to effectively mitigate these threats.

    “It is important that we take training as seriously as we can to be ready. We always say ‘ever ready’ for any task that comes up. We are all aware of current threats and challenges facing our nation and the subregion, and so the only rational thing for us to do is to prepare adequately to mitigate the effects of such threats on our stability and development,” he said.

    He emphasized that the selection of specific geographical terrain for training exercises was not designed to penalize or cause discomfort to the troops. Instead, it was intended to prepare them for real-world threats that could emerge at any moment.

    On the second day of Exercise Kullum Shiri, a series of training activities took place. These included extensive long marches, covering several kilometers, undertaken by Army officers and personnel wearing full battle gear and carrying ammunition.

    These exercises were complemented by other operations, such as navigation challenges and obstacle crossings, culminating in a shooting competition involving various participating units in Exercise Kullum Shiri.

    The event involved hundreds of uniformed personnel from three battalions: the 1 Battalion of Infantry (1BN) stationed in Michelle Camp, Tema; the 2 Battalion of Infantry (2BN) stationed in Takoradi; and the 5 Battalion of Infantry (5BN) located in Burma Camp, Accra. Additionally, two regiments, the 48 Engineers based in Teshie and the 66 Artillery stationed in Ho, along with the Headquarters of Southern Command Camp in Teshie, were also part of the exercise.

    Numerous prizes, including undisclosed cash awards, were presented to both units and individual personnel who demonstrated exceptional performance during the two-day training.

    The top position in Navigation and the first runner-up were secured by 2BN, while 5BN clinched the second runner-up position. The 48 Engineers Regiment, in addition to claiming the third runner-up position, also earned recognition for excelling in the best obstacle crossing category and the best in orders team category.

    Maj Gen Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu, who served as the Guest of Honour and holds the position of Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Logistics at the General Headquarters, concluded the event by affirming that the exercise aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision. This vision aims to create a highly motivated, well-trained, and well-equipped Army comprising quality officers and personnel capable of fulfilling the army’s responsibilities.

    He emphasized that this training was imperative to establish a consistently prepared standing army capable of addressing emerging threats, including the rapid spread of violent extremism in the West African sub-region. Such threats pose a risk to Ghana’s territorial integrity and security.

  • Memoir of First Female Major General in GAF launched

    Memoir of First Female Major General in GAF launched

    A book titled “The Lady In Boots,” authored by the late Major General (Maj Gen) Constance Edjeani-Afenu (Rtd), was launched on September 6, 2023, at the Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra.

    This 326-page memoir chronicles the life of the first female Major General in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), spanning from her childhood to her illustrious career as a Military Officer, Peacekeeper, Diplomat, wife, mother, and servant of God.

    The book sheds light on the aspirations and expectations of all female members of the GAF, with a keen focus on Gender Mainstreaming. It serves as a valuable reference for leadership and inspiration for young females aspiring to join the GAF.

    The Guest of Honour and Chairman of the Launch, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Ghana’s current Ambassador to Egypt, His Excellency Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Obed Boamah Akwa (Rtd), expressed his gratitude to all attendees and underscored the uniqueness of the event, owing to the author’s remarkable personality.

    HE Lt Gen Akwa (Rtd) praised the author for providing a comprehensive account of her life, family, and career for the benefit of future generations. He emphasized that the fact that she accomplished this before her passing is a testament to her foresight, dedication, and sense of purpose.

    In her review of the book, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Anita Asmah highlighted its historical significance, offering insights into the author’s military journey and her substantial contributions to gender mainstreaming within the GAF.

    She noted that an entire chapter in the book is dedicated to contemporary gender issues, which will serve as a valuable resource for understanding gender equality and mainstreaming in both the GAF and the United Nations (UN).

  • GAF appoints new Director Engineer Services, unveils state-of-the-art Conference Hall

    GAF appoints new Director Engineer Services, unveils state-of-the-art Conference Hall

    On Friday, September 1, 2023, a ceremony took place at Burma Camp to mark the change of command between Colonel (Col) AE Shooter and Col Jonas Wiafe in the Director Engineer Services, along with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art conference hall.

    The Guest of Honour at the event, Major General (Maj Gen) Osei-Owusu, commended Col Shooter for the remarkable growth and accomplishments witnessed within the Directorate.

    He emphasized Col Shooter’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, which had propelled the Directorate to new heights.

    During his address, Col Shooter shared that his primary objective was to ensure the completion of an office block that would provide comfortable accommodations for all staff, along with a conference facility that befits an Engineer Unit. The construction of the office block was relatively straightforward since the framework was already in place.

    However, the conversion of the former Orderly Room and Meeting Room into a conference facility presented more significant challenges. Col Shooter expressed his delight at the successful transformation of the old structure, thanks to the talented architects and engineers from the Directorate.

    He also expressed gratitude to the Commanding Officer (CO) and the dedicated work staff from the 49 Engineer Regiment for their exceptional efforts.

    The outgoing Director, Col Shooter, announced that the Conference Complex had been christened “HOLDFAST” and boasted two magnificent conference halls. The larger hall comfortably accommodated a minimum of 40 individuals around the table and could seat up to 85 people.

    It featured full air-conditioning, modern audio-visual equipment, captivating lighting, and plush seating arrangements. The second hall, known as the Director’s Hall, offered a more intimate setting, accommodating 15 individuals with comfortable seating and world-class audio-visual capabilities.

    Col Shooter emphasized that these two halls provided the Directorate with an ideal environment for hosting meetings and facilitating productive discussions.

    He concluded by extending his heartfelt congratulations to Col Jonas Wiafe on his appointment as the new Director of Engineer Services. Col Shooter encouraged officers, enlisted personnel, women, and defense civilian staff to support the new Director in his endeavors to succeed.

  • Soldier mistakenly kills himself with a gun at Michel Camp

    Soldier mistakenly kills himself with a gun at Michel Camp

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has officially confirmed the loss of Private Bayou Roger, a member of the 5 Infantry Battalion, due to what appears to be an accidental discharge of his firearm.

    The tragic incident occurred at the Base Ammunition Depot near Michel Camp in Accra.

    According to the GAF’s account of the incident, Private Roger, who was part of the platoon stationed at the Southern Command, was diligently carrying out his duties on the morning of Saturday, August 19th, when the unfortunate event transpired.

    “Preliminary investigative report indicates that the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to believe his colleague at a duty post at 8 am when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly,” a statement from GAF read.

    The Armed Forces has indicated that a team from the Homicide Unit of the Gbetsele Police Station is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the incident.

    “GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones of the deceased soldier,” the statement added.

    In the interim, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.

  • Support government’s digitalization efforts – Bawumia to GAF

    Support government’s digitalization efforts – Bawumia to GAF

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Staff College to actively contribute to the nation’s digital progress, aligning with the government’s digitization agenda.

    Speaking at a graduation event in Accra on August 18, 2023, Dr. Bawumia recognized the historical ties between the military and technological advancements, noting that their collaboration has led to innovations like microwave ovens, computers, GPS technology, and the internet.

    “The military and technology are inseparable,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized. “Hence, I look forward to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly GAFCSC, to contribute strategies that will support the government’s digitization goals.”

    He urged the GAFCSC to develop programs that foster digital awareness and cybersecurity expertise among the youth.

    Commending the impact of the institution, he highlighted its influence not only on Ghanaians but also on military personnel from other African nations.

    “As a citadel of knowledge, GAFCSC has become a national asset with a distinguished role in Africa,” Dr. Bawumia stated, urging the college to leverage its enhanced reputation to explore additional areas for national development.

    Furthermore, he reassured the Armed Forces of the government’s unwavering support, including infrastructure expansion.

    The ceremony marked the joint graduation of the Senior Command and Staff Course 44 and the Master of Science in Defense and International Politics Class of 2023.

  • Soldier mistakenly kills himself with his gun at Michel Camp

    Soldier mistakenly kills himself with his gun at Michel Camp

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has officially confirmed the loss of Private Bayou Roger, a member of the 5 Infantry Battalion, due to what appears to be an accidental discharge of his firearm.

    The tragic incident occurred at the Base Ammunition Depot near Michel Camp in Accra.

    According to the GAF’s account of the incident, Private Roger, who was part of the platoon stationed at the Southern Command, was diligently carrying out his duties on the morning of Saturday, August 19th, when the unfortunate event transpired.

    “Preliminary investigative report indicates that the soldier was seen sitting on his bed, waiting to believe his colleague at a duty post at 8 am when his rifle went off hitting him under his chin; killing him instantly,” a statement from GAF read.

    The Armed Forces has indicated that a team from the Homicide Unit of the Gbetsele Police Station is collaborating with the Military Police to investigate the incident.

    “GAF takes this opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones of the deceased soldier,” the statement added.

    In the interim, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.

  • Newly-elevated Army general allegedly extorts $8000 from peacekeepers – Report 

    Newly-elevated Army general allegedly extorts $8000 from peacekeepers – Report 

    Questions are arising regarding the recent advancements of high-ranking military officials sanctioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo. Reports indicate that a specific officer has lodged a formal complaint against the Military High Command, urging an inquiry into specific behaviors on their part.

    The individual, who held the rank of Brigadier General until recently, allegedly engaged in the practice of coercing funds from soldiers involved in peacekeeping missions.

    The person, formerly a Brigadier General, is reported to have been involved in the act of pressuring funds from soldiers participating in peacekeeping assignments.

    This paper is informed that, as much as US$8000, were extorted from the soldiers when they returned from the peace mission.

    The soldiers, The Herald, learnt got paid US$12,700, but the senior officer extorted his US$8000, leaving them with a paltry US$4,000.

    Many of the soldiers, The Herald was informed were not due for Peacekeeping, but were selected and sneaked on the missions by the said senior officer at the cost of US$8000, vaguely labelled as “GOC Admin”.

    His conduct has led to some soldiers embarking on these missions several times when others had not been on the missions.

    Per Ghana Armed Forces arrangements, soldiers are supposed to be on these missions for a year at US$35 per day. They are to spend two years in Ghana upon return before their next trip; however, The Herald learnt that the officer is able to sneak them onto another trip at US$8000.

    Strangely, the petition was said to have been treated with contempt by the military high command and the senior officer, has been promoted and given sensitive responsibility.

    The development, has left many of the soldiers very livid with lots of murmuring amongst the soldiers and the officer corps as to the extent of the degeneration in the GAF.

    The Herald over the weekend, intercepted the list of military officers who had been elevated. They included;

    Maj Gen Aryeetey – National College of Defence Studies (NCDS)

    Maj Gen Onwona – GAFCSC Comdt

    Brig Gen Aphour – Maj Gen DCOS Ops& trg

    Brig Gen Gyandu – IPSO to Trg

    Brig Gen Asiedu – Trg – IPSO

    Brig Gen Tanye Kulono- NCDS Chied Coord

    Ntiri – NCDS Snr DS

    Brig Gen Gbedawo – GMA Dep Comdt

    Brig Gen Wonje – COS at Boundary Commission

    Paintsil – promoted Brig Gen – Comd ASOB

    Col GKT Sam – Brig Gen

    Col EV Abraham – promoted Brig Gen – Critical Care Hosp Comd

    Col Vander Pallen – Brig Gen

    Col Salifu- promoted Brig Gen

    Col RK Mensah- Dep Comd ASOB

    Col KKK Afriffah – HQ TRADOC Chief Coord

    Col Wiafe – DES

    Col Narh – ACTS Comd

    Col Mensah Yawson – Dep Comd Armd Bde

    Col Appoh – GHQ DID

    Col Atuluk – GMA D Mil Div

    Col AY Owusu – Att to Natl Sy

    Col Ackah – A/ASEC.

    Col Obiri Yeboah – Army HQ, Chief G5. Promoted

    Col Buah – GAFCSC (Jnr), CI, Academic Studies. Promoted

    Col Ohemeng – Army HQ, Chief G2 (Trg). Promoted

    Col Debrah – R List. Promoted

    Lt Col Atiogbe – promoted to Col

    Lt Col Tenadu – CO 3 Bn

    Lt Col Boakye CO ABF

    Lt Col Asampong -CO 10 Mech Bn

    Lt Col Adams – appt Comd Rear 1 Bn DTBN

    Lt Col IK Boako – CO 11 Mech Bn

    Lt Col Owusu Afriyie – CO 5 Bn

    Lt Col Korsah -153 Armd Regt

    Lt Col Cudjoe – CO JWS

    Lt Col Issah – CO ATS

    Lt Col Tetteh – CO STS

    Lt Col Appau – Jubilee House, office of COS

    Lt Col Twumasi – CO 81 Sig Regt

    Lt Col Essel – CO Def Sig Regt

    Lt Col Avorke – CO BSD

    Lt Col Luri – CO Base Workshop

    Lt Col Odoom – CO EMETTS

    Lt Col Sedor- DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Poku – DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Terpkertey – R List

    Lt Col Hassim – DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Korsah – CO 153

    Lt Col Issah – CO ATS

  • GAF announces Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi as Chief Staff Officer

    GAF announces Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi as Chief Staff Officer

    Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi on August 10, 2023, assumed the role of Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, succeeding Air Commodore David Akrong.

    During the formal handover ceremony, Air Commodore Akrong, who completed his tenure as Chief Staff Officer, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead and serve the Air Force.

    He underscored the significance of teamwork and excellence in shaping the Ghana Air Force‘s future. He encouraged personnel to extend full support to the new Chief Staff Officer in fulfilling the mission and vision of the Air Force.

    Accepting his new responsibilities, Air Commodore Yirenkyi acknowledged the challenges ahead and recognized the legacy left by his predecessor.

    The handing-over proceedings were overseen by Air Commodore Eric Agyen-Frempong, the Base Commander Accra, on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff.

    He thanked the outgoing Chief Staff Officer for his dedicated service to the Ghana Air Force and expressed confidence in Air Commodore Akrong’s ability to excel in his new role as Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC).

    Air Commodore Agyen-Frempong extended a warm welcome to the new Chief Staff Officer and assured him of the support required to carry out his duties effectively.

    The ceremony, attended by Senior Officers, concluded with a brief gathering involving Officers, Airmen/Airwomen, and Defence Civilian Staff, officially introducing the new Chief Staff Officer to the personnel.

  • Army General accused of extorting $8000 from peacekeepers

    Army General accused of extorting $8000 from peacekeepers

    One of the senior military officers promoted by President Akufo-Addo has been accused of engaging in illicit money collection from soldiers on peacekeeping assignments.

    The officer, who is said to have previously held the rank of Brigadier-General is said to have sold United Nations Peacekeeping slots to soldiers not eligible for these missions since 2019, thereby depriving genuinely qualified soldiers of participating in peace missions to countries such as Sudan, The Gambia, Mali, and Lebanon.

    The Herald Newspaper reports that the senior officer’s actions have led to some soldiers repeatedly embarking on these missions while others remained excluded.

    The standard protocol in the Ghana Armed Forces stipulates that soldiers serve peacekeeping missions for a year at a rate of US$35 per day, and they must spend two years in Ghana post-mission before another deployment.

    However, it is alleged that this officer manages to secure repeated trips for them at the cost of US$8,000.

    Despite these serious allegations, the petition was reportedly disregarded by the military high command, and the accused senior officer has been promoted to a more sensitive role.

    The identity of the said officer has not been disclosed. However, The Herald has released an alleged list of recently promoted officers.

    Maj Gen Aryeetey – National College of Defence Studies (NCDS)

    Maj Gen Onwona – GAFCSC Comdt

    Brig Gen Aphour – Maj Gen DCOS Ops& trg

    Brig Gen Gyandu – IPSO to Trg

    Brig Gen Asiedu – Trg – IPSO

    Brig Gen Tanye Kulono- NCDS Chied Coord

    Ntiri – NCDS Snr DS

    Brig Gen Gbedawo – GMA Dep Comdt

    Brig Gen Wonje – COS at Boundary Commission

    Paintsil – promoted Brig Gen – Comd ASOB

    Col GKT Sam – Brig Gen

    Col EV Abraham – promoted Brig Gen – Critical Care Hosp Comd

    Col Vander Pallen – Brig Gen

    Col Salifu- promoted Brig Gen

    Col RK Mensah- Dep Comd ASOB

    Col KKK Afriffah – HQ TRADOC Chief Coord

    Col Wiafe – DES

    Col Narh – ACTS Comd

    Col Mensah Yawson – Dep Comd Armd Bde

    Col Appoh – GHQ DID

    Col Atuluk – GMA D Mil Div

    Col AY Owusu – Att to Natl Sy

    Col Ackah – A/ASEC.

    Col Obiri Yeboah – Army HQ, Chief G5. Promoted

    Col Buah – GAFCSC (Jnr), CI, Academic Studies. Promoted

    Col Ohemeng – Army HQ, Chief G2 (Trg). Promoted

    Col Debrah – R List. Promoted

    Lt Col Atiogbe – promoted to Col

    Lt Col Tenadu – CO 3 Bn

    Lt Col Boakye CO ABF

    Lt Col Asampong -CO 10 Mech Bn

    Lt Col Adams – appt Comd Rear 1 Bn DTBN

    Lt Col IK Boako – CO 11 Mech Bn

    Lt Col Owusu Afriyie – CO 5 Bn

    Lt Col Korsah -153 Armd Regt

    Lt Col Cudjoe – CO JWS

    Lt Col Issah – CO ATS

    Lt Col Tetteh – CO STS

    Lt Col Appau – Jubilee House, office of COS

    Lt Col Twumasi – CO 81 Sig Regt

    Lt Col Essel – CO Def Sig Regt

    Lt Col Avorke – CO BSD

    Lt Col Luri – CO Base Workshop

    Lt Col Odoom – CO EMETTS

    Lt Col Sedor- DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Poku – DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Terpkertey – R List

    Lt Col Hassim – DS GAFCSC

    Lt Col Korsah – CO 153

    Lt Col Issah – CO ATS

    The Ghana Armed Forces is yet to react to this claim.

  • 37 Military Hospital to hold mass burial for unclaimed bodies on September 1

    37 Military Hospital to hold mass burial for unclaimed bodies on September 1

    The 37 Military Hospital has issued a public service announcement regarding an upcoming mass burial exercise for unidentified and unclaimed bodies in its morgue.

    Hospital authorities emphasized the necessity of addressing this matter due to the congestion caused by the accumulation of such bodies, which has been impeding day-to-day operations and efficiency at the facility.

    As per the press release by the Ghana Armed Forces, the last mass burial exercise took place on 11th March 2017. In order to tackle the issue of congestion and manage the situation efficiently, the 37 Military Hospital has scheduled the forthcoming mass burial for Friday, 1st September 2023.

    In an effort to identify and claim the bodies before the scheduled mass burial, the 37 Military Hospital is seeking assistance from the general public. Relatives of individuals who suspect their loved ones might be among the unclaimed bodies are urged to visit the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the hospital between Thursday, August 3, and Thursday, August 31, 2023.

    The hospital authorities appeal to the public for cooperation and understanding during this sensitive process. Identifying and claiming the bodies will not only alleviate the burden on the morgue but also bring closure to families and ensure dignified arrangements for the deceased.

    For further information or inquiries, concerned individuals may contact the 37 Military Hospital or visit their official website for updates on the mass burial exercise.

  • Kumasi-Bawku drivers resume work after attack on terminal

    Kumasi-Bawku drivers resume work after attack on terminal

    Drivers at the Kumasi-Bawku bus terminal have recommenced their services following a temporary suspension of loading.

    The suspension was in protest against an assault on one of the buses owned by the terminal at Walewale in the North East Region, which occurred last Friday.

    The Ghana Police Service and Ghana Armed Forces provide escorts for buses heading to Bawku and other North destinations to ensure safety.

    Drivers expressed concern about the threats to their livelihood and fear when transporting passengers in the North.

    The terminal’s leadership appreciates the security agencies’ intervention but calls for more effective measures to protect lives.

    Spokesperson Anasara George Akolgo appeals for stronger police escorts on the route from Savelugu to Bolga to enhance safety.

    The attack in Walewale resulted in one death and several injuries, prompting the GPS to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators.

  • Lands Ministry, GAF move to Black Volta to check illegal mining

    Lands Ministry, GAF move to Black Volta to check illegal mining

    Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor says government has taken drastic, decisive and pre-emptive steps to protect the Black Volta from the destructive activities of illegal miners.

    According to the Minister, following recent media reports of illegal mining activities on the Black Volta, the government through the collaborative efforts of the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the Ghana Armed Forces embarked on an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the situation on the ground.

    Mr Jinapor who was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of the intelligence report on Friday, 21 July 2023, stated that a number of operations have already taken place by the Military to stop the illegal miners and protect the river body from further destruction.

    Providing details of the said operations, the Minister disclosed that 20 changfans which were operating on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed.

    He stated that resources and personnel will be committed to ensuring the Black Volta returns to its naturally healthy state sooner than later.

    Describing the emergence of illegal mining activities as ‘scandalous and unfortunate’, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor vowed that Government through the Ministry and allied institutions will activate the necessary and legal measures to protect the Black Volta and other waterbodies from illegal mining activities.

    “The need for us to protect the Black Volta is absolutely important and I’m happy to report that following the reports the Ministry received, we are working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, 6Bn) in collaboration with the Military command of the Savannah Region were able to carry out an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the true facts on the ground”, he indicated.

    “As I speak to you now, series of operations have been undertaken and the reports I’ve received is that 20 changfans have been destroyed and there is a well-thought-through plan to eradicate illegal mining on the river and other parts of the country”, he stressed.

    The Lands Minister disclosed that government will not relent in its effort to eradicate illegal mining activities and ensure that the exploitation of the country’s natural resources are done in accordance with the laws of the country and international standards.

    He explained that the government illegal mining battled is modelled on two pillars which are enforcement and reformation.

    Mr Jinapor vowed that the government will continue to pursue the two pillars and will not renege in its effort to create a sustainable mining sector through responsible and environment-friendly mining practises.

  • Mortal remains of soldier who died in India transported to Ghana

    Mortal remains of soldier who died in India transported to Ghana

    On Tuesday, July 20, 2023, the Ghana Armed Forces received the body of one of its officers who passed away in India.

    The army reported that the late soldier, Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku, passed away in the Asian country following a brief illness.

    In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, the army mentioned that the late Victor Kwaku was stationed at the 37 Military Hospital until his passing.

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has received the mortal remains of the Late Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Sani Victor Kwaku at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Thursday 20 July, 2023.

    “During the Short ceremony at KIA, the Clergy, Chaplain Captain Michael Aniangyei and Imam Lieutenant Mohammed Abubakar prayed for the soul of the deceased and asked for God’s guidance and protection for the family during this difficult time,” parts of the post read.

    It indicated that the mortal remains of its officer has since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital Morgue.

    The Ghana Armed Forces did not state the reasons why the soldier was in India.

  • We do not rely on services of land guards – GAF

    We do not rely on services of land guards – GAF

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied claims that it employs the services of land guards to claim their pieces of land that have been encroached.

    On Monday, July 17, Minority members of the Lands and Forestry Committee of Parliament accused the government of enlisting the services of land guards for the retrieval and protection of government lands, citing statements made by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Professor Patrick Agbesinyale, during a meeting with the Committee.

    Addressing the media, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Lands and Forestry Committee of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini bemoaned the lack of commitment on the part of the government to combat land guard activities.

    “The other shocking revelation according to the Chief Director is that even the Ghana Armed Forces and the Police use this same land guard to protect their lands. So, if the military and the police cannot protect their own lands and have to resort to the use of a land guard, then what will be the fate of the common Ghanaian who wants to acquire land and is faced with land guards?” he quizzed.

    But in a press statement signed by Director General Public Relations, Brigadier General E Aggrey-Quashie, the Ghana Armed Forces assured all that the allegation is false and should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

    They argued that it is unimaginable that GAF cannot protect its own lands but rather indulge in an illegality by relying on the services of land guards, a proscribed activity.

    “GAF deems it as regrettable that news reports emanated from unsubstantiated allegations made by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof Patrick Agbesinyale at a Parliamentary Committee meeting on 10 July 2023.

    “We wish to stress that this allegation which was repeated by Hon Alhassan Suhuyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North to the media is false and should be ignored,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has entreated the media and the public not to hesitate to contact the Department of Public Relations to clarify stories of these nature before publishing them.

    At this critical time, GAF’s focus is geared towards protecting the frontiers of our country against the downward spread of violent extremism from the Sahel Region and the least the Institution expects are issues that distracts us (GAF) from focusing on protecting the country, the statement added.

    Also, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted allegations made, arguing that the Lands Commission legally engaged the services of Aynok Holding Limited, a registered limited liability company to assist in reclaiming encroached government lands. 

    This engagement, the ministry said, has been in effect since 2012.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • US boosts Ghana’s maritime security with $48 million and new vessels

    US boosts Ghana’s maritime security with $48 million and new vessels

    The US has pledged to invest $48 million this year to help train and equip the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to combat piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, said the US was committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime domain for the benefit of the entire region.

    “We know security threats don’t just come from the Sahel; piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea pose persistent threats to the nation’s prosperity,” she said.

    She was speaking at a ceremony to commission new structures and equipment for the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Ghana Navy at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor, near Sogakope in the Volta Region last Friday.

    The US provided the SBS with two interceptor vessels – 38” Defender Class Safe Boats, named “Kofi Faidoo” and “Seth Amoama”, worth $6.4 million, as well as a replacement of a landing jetty known as pontoon pier.

    Ms Palmer also cut the sod for the construction of an SBS Mobile Training Camp, which will be supported by the first persistent Engineering Detachment (Seabees) to work on naval infrastructure projects in Ghana.

    Other projects include the construction of an SBS boat storage facility and other infrastructural developments.

    In addition, Ms Palmer said the US had donated two patrol ships to Ghana, which would be commissioned later this year.

    She also said that a team of US Special Operations Forces Africa Combat Divers would visit NAVTRAC to conduct a joint exchange training with the SBS.

    “Our partnership has never been stronger, the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron programme is thriving, and Ghana’s maritime security is being fortified,” she added.

    She further said that Ghana-US relations were productive and mutually beneficial, and that the US would continue to work with Ghana as a leader in West Africa on regional security, inclusive economic development and protection of democratic institutions.

    Danish support

    Meanwhile, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Tom Norring, also inaugurated a mobile camp at NAVTRAC, which was donated by his country and valued at about €1million.

    The structures were transported from Mali to Ghana about a year ago.

    Mr Norring stressed the importance of enhancing capacity within the maritime domain and assured his country’s readiness to support initiatives that would promote maritime security.

    Appreciation

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, expressed gratitude to the US and Denmark for their assistance, which he said would strengthen the friendship between Ghana and the two countries.

    “This act of goodwill and generosity reflects their deep commitment to promoting peace and security in our maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea in general,” he said.

    He said the structures and equipment donated would enhance the capability and efficiency of the SBS and protect them from hazards in their operations.

    The Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kofi Atiayao, also described the gesture from their benefactors as heart-warming.

    A new three-unit classroom block for Nutekpor DA Basic School, sponsored by the US government, was also inaugurated.

  • Ghana denies forcing out Burkinabe refugees amid UNHCR alarm

    Ghana denies forcing out Burkinabe refugees amid UNHCR alarm


    The Ministry of National Security has issued a press release to refute reports of a deliberate and targeted operation, spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces, to forcibly repatriate Burkinabe refugees from Ghana.

    The Ministry said the reports were false and should be disregarded by all.

    “The Ministry refutes such claims and wishes to state that Ghana is committed to accommodating Burkinabe nationals who have been displaced into the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana due to the prevailing security situation in southern Burkina Faso,” parts of the release from the Ministry of National Security said.

    The Ministry explained that through collaboration with the Ghana Refugee Board and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a temporary reception centre had been established in the Upper East Region, capable of holding an estimated 2,100 displaced people from Burkina Faso.

    It said at the moment, 530 displaced Burkinabes were being accommodated at the reception centre.

    “Additionally, Ghanaian official entities ensure that the displaced persons have access to free food and medical care.

    “Also, as part of measures to enhance containment efforts, a 30-acre land has been acquired for the establishment of housing facilities to host displaced persons,” the release added.

    The Ministry of National Security noted that contrary to the false reports that displaced Burkinabes were being forced out of Ghana, a repatriation process had been instituted at the reception centre to aid the movement of Burkinabes who wished to return to their country.

    The repatriation process according to the Ministry was consistent with international protocols on the management of refugees and had so far, been implemented in collaboration with Burkinabe Immigration Authorities along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.


    Read the full release below: 

    PRESS RELEASE
    The Ministry of National Security has taken note of media reports and publications that suggest a deliberate and targeted operation, spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces, to forcibly repatriate Burkinabe refugees from Ghana.

    The Ministry refutes such claims and wishes to state that Ghana is committed to accommodating Burkinabe nationals who have been displaced into the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana due to the prevailing security situation in southern Burkina Faso.

    The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Refugee Board and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has accordingly established a temporary reception centre in the Upper East Region, capable of holding an estimated Two thousand, one hundred (2,100) displaced people from Burkina Faso.

    Currently, five hundred and thirty (530) displaced Burkinabes are being accommodated at the reception centre. Additionally, Ghanaian official entities ensure that the displaced persons have access to free food and medical care. Also, as part of measures to enhance containment efforts, a 30-acre land has been acquired for the establishment of housing facilities to host displaced persons.

    Contrary to claims that displaced Burkinabes are being forced out of Ghana, a repatriation process has been instituted at the reception centre to aid the movement of Burkinabes who wish to return to their country. The repatriation process is consistent with international protocols on the management of refugees and has so far, been implemented in collaboration with Burkinabe Immigration Authorities along the GhanaBurkina Faso border.

    The Government of Ghana, while reaffirming its determination to safeguard the peace, stability and territorial integrity of the country, and promote the welfare of the citizens of the country, would continue to undertake the necessary operations without compromising values, such as respect for human rights, including the rights of refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries.

  • GAF warns against fake recruitment

    GAF warns against fake recruitment

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent online recruitment and enlistment exercises.

    In a press release, the GAF stated that they have observed a fake press release circulating on social media, instructing interested applicants to send their summary reports and contact details to a fraudulent email address: ghforces37@gmail.com.

    Furthermore, the false document references a supposed press release from the Finance Ministry to the GAF, claiming that recruitment of new officers in all sectors has been postponed due to financial constraints faced by the government.

    The GAF strongly advises individuals to be cautious and refrain from engaging with such fraudulent activities.

    They emphasize that the official channels for GAF recruitment will be duly announced through the appropriate channels and not through unofficial means.

    The GAF encourages the public to verify any information regarding recruitment exercises directly from their official sources to ensure accuracy and legitimacy.

    By raising awareness of this issue, the GAF aims to protect aspiring applicants from falling victim to scams and maintain the integrity of their recruitment process.

    “Additionally, the fake document makes reference to a purported press release by the Finance Ministry to GAF about holding on recruitment of new officers across all sectors due to financial constraints on the part of
    government,” the statement reads.

  • 63rd Republic Day Parade to be held by Nat’l Cadet Corps Ghana

    63rd Republic Day Parade to be held by Nat’l Cadet Corps Ghana

    The 63rd Republic Day will be celebrated on Saturday, July 1 with a parade, according to the National Cadet Corps Ghana in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, other Security Services, and the National Youth Authority.

    The event will take place in the famous Black Stars Square, which stands for the nation’s pride and unification.

    ‘Esprit De-Corps, Our Strength and Purpose’ is the subject for this year’s festival.

    The main objective is to emphasize the value of patriotism, accuracy, discipline, volunteerism, unity, teamwork, and a common sense of purpose in promoting national growth and advancement among Ghana’s youth, who represent the country’s future.

    “Her presence reflects the government’s commitment to youth development and the recognition of the National Cadet Corps as a vital institution shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Republic Day event promises to be a memorable and inspiring occasion, filled with vibrant displays by Cadets drawn from educational institutions in all 16 regions of Ghana across the country to showcase the training and skills through captivating drills and demonstrations, reflecting the core values of the National Cadet Corps Ghana.

    All attendees have been asked to adhere to a formal dress code with a touch of the colours of the national flag – red, gold and green – to symbolize national pride and cultural heritage.

  • GAF inducts new Chief of Air Staff

    GAF inducts new Chief of Air Staff

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has conducted a religious induction ceremony at the Garrison Methodist-Presbyterian Church, Burma Camp, Accra, for the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe.

    This follows his appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Ghana Air Force by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on January 26, 2023.

    Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, at the induction, commended the inductee on his elevation, saying, throughout his career, he had demonstrated decisive, strong, and impactful leadership with courage and a high sense of loyalty.

    “He is a man of great honour and has inspired many with his outstanding love for this profession.”

    “Air Vice Marshal Bekoe takes great pride in taking care of his Airmen, he is thus a leader whom others look up to,” he added.

    The CDS implored members of the Force to give their new Chief of Air Staff the expected support.

    Air Vice Marshal Bekoe said his vision was to, together with his members, build a resilient and thriving Air Force to the safeguard peace and security of Ghana and the Subregion.

    He stressed his commitment to building the capacities of his men and women, as well as facilitate the effective retooling of the Force to enhance their operations.

    He commended all former Chiefs of the Air Staff, saying, he would be building on the solid foundation they laid.

    Air Vice Marshal Bekoe urged the Government to keep retooling the Force to enhance its operations and support to its sister forces.

    The event was graced by dignitaries, including Ministers of State,Members of Parliament, officials from the Presidency, traditional and religious leaders.

    Prior to his appointment, Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe was the Air Officer Special Duties at the Jubilee House and was responsible to the Chief of Staff at the Presidency on all matters relating to the Presidential aircraft.

    Before then, he was the Base Commander of Air Force Base, Accra, from January 2016 to January 2019.

    Air Vice Marshal Bekoe was born on Sunday, May 28, 1967 at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region of Ghana but hailed from Tutu-Akwapim.

    He had his basic education at Hecta International School at Akim Oda and later proceeded to St. John’s Grammar Secondary School, Accra.In 1985 he obtained the West Africa Examination Council Certificate (0 Level) and continued to Accra Academy where he obtained GCE Advanced Level Certificate (A Level) in 1987.

    He enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy, Teshie on November 11, 1988 as a Flight Cadet after completing the Standard Military Course at Teshie, he continued to the Fiying Training School in Takoradi for Ground School in preparation for flying training.

    Air Vice Marshal Bekoe has served the Ghana Air Force in various capacities, giving him a sound knowledge of Air Force matters both at the Staff and Operational levels.

    He is married to Mrs Rosette Okyere Bekoe and they are blessed with two daughters Frederica and Flora aged 25 and 22, respectively.