Ghana’s Minister of Defense, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, said on July 15, 2025, that military officers are not allowed to guard or escort citizens or public officials who are not constitutionally entitled to such protection. This order is a component of the government’s larger “Reset agenda,” which aims to bring accountability and discipline back to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Minister underlined that using military troops for private benefit compromises the GAF’s professional duties and that anyone discovered doing unapproved guard tasks will face severe consequences.
According to Omane Boamah,
“As part of our #Reset agenda to restore discipline and accountability, we’ve withdrawn military protection for civilians (including public officials, former ministers, businessmen, and women, among others) who are not entitled to it.”
This action is seen as a firm step to prevent misuse of military assets and guarantee that soldiers follow professional guidelines.
The announcement came after Colonel Festus Aboagye, a security expert and retired military officer, brought attention to concerning GAF activities.
Colonel Aboagye disclosed in a July 15, 2025, interview with TV3 that certain military soldiers were tasked with doing household tasks, such pounding fufu, in civilian houses, occasionally in order to raise money for barracks upkeep. He emphasized the need for more government funds to address budgetary deficits in the GAF, even though he supported the Minister’s instruction. He pointed out that such deployments undermine military professionalism and discipline.
The policy has received widespread approval as a step in the direction of encouraging responsible governance and transparency. Additionally, it supports the Defense Minister’s other initiatives to strengthen discipline in the GAF.
For example, on July 17, 2025, at an All Ranks durbar at Burma Camp, Dr. Boamah asked the GAF leadership to deal brutally with people who do not adhere to professional standards and denounced recent violence in Bawku, including the burning of a culturally significant statue. In order to emphasize the value of honesty in the armed forces, he also gave Lance Corporal Solomon Asare Teye-Tsu GH¢10,000 for turning down a bribe while on anti-galamsey duty.
Key points:
Only civilians legally entitled to military protection can receive such services.
Any soldier or officer found providing unauthorized guard duty now faces sanctions.
The policy applies broadly—even to former ministers and business leaders—if they do not qualify under official criteria .
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