Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, has issued a stern warning to military personnel, outlawing the longstanding practice of providing security to civilians who are not officially entitled to military protection.
In a statement released on Monday, July 15, the Minister declared that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) would immediately cease all unauthorized guard duties for public officials, former ministers, business leaders, and other private individuals lacking legal entitlement to state-backed military security.
“This misuse of military resources for personal gain must end,” Boamah said, adding that any personnel found violating this new directive would face severe legal consequences.
The announcement was shared via social media as part of a wider effort to ensure transparency and reinforce discipline within the ranks of the Armed Forces.
The directive is a key component of what the Ministry is calling its “#Reset” campaign — a comprehensive initiative aimed at restoring institutional integrity, improving accountability, and re-aligning the military’s operations with its constitutional mandate.
According to Defence Ministry guidelines, the deployment of soldiers to serve as private security for individuals outside the scope of official eligibility not only undermines the credibility of the Armed Forces but also represents a diversion of critical manpower from essential national security duties.
For years, the practice of assigning soldiers to protect well-connected civilians has gone largely unchecked, with many exploiting political or personal influence to gain access to military guards.
The new measures bring that era to a close, in line with the Mahama administration’s stated commitment to enhancing professionalism and efficiency within the security services.
Military leadership has made clear that there will be no grace period for enforcement. The decision takes effect immediately, and officers have been instructed to report any violations for disciplinary action.
The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to serving the republic in accordance with constitutional directives, not individual preferences.
As the country navigates complex national and regional security challenges, this move is seen as a significant step toward strengthening institutional focus and eliminating systemic abuse.
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