Dr. Omane Boamah advocates for enhanced military funding

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Data from the Bank of Ghana highlights significant growth in key digital payment metrics, underscoring the increasing reliance on technology for financial transactions.

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The number of registered mobile money accounts in Ghana grew significantly, from 65.6 million in December 2023 to 73 million by the end of 2024.
This rise reflects the widespread availability and accessibility of mobile financial services across the country.
While the number of active accounts experienced some fluctuations, it remained robust, consi…
Dr. Omane Boamah advocates for enhanced military funding

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister-designate for Defence, has called for increased investment in Ghana’s defence systems, stressing the importance of equipping the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to effectively perform their duties.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, he outlined his vision for strengthening the country’s military and addressing the challenges faced by soldiers.

Protecting territorial sovereignty
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized the need to complete all Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to enhance the Ghana Armed Forces’ capacity to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
He assured the Committee of his commitment to finding innovative ways to procure modern equipment for the Armed Forces.
“We’ll find innovative ways to procure new equipment for the Armed Forces to operate efficiently and protect the sovereignty of the nation,” he stated.

Prioritizing soldiers’ welfare and mental health
Addressing the welfare of soldiers, Dr. Omane Boamah pledged to prioritize the provision of appropriate accommodation to improve their living standards.
He also highlighted the need to safeguard the mental health of soldiers and veterans, particularly addressing post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
To achieve this, the Ministry of Defence would collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health.
“The welfare of soldiers and the modernization of the military will be at the forefront of our efforts,” he assured, adding that soldiers deserve the best support to ensure their dedication and performance.

Strengthening cybersecurity
On the issue of cybersecurity, Dr. Omane Boamah acknowledged the growing threats in the digital landscape and stressed the importance of collaboration with other state agencies to protect Ghana’s cyberspace.
“The Ministry will work with relevant agencies to detect and prevent cyber-attacks on the country’s internet infrastructure,” he said, noting that robust cybersecurity measures are critical for national security.

Ensuring equity in recruitment
Responding to concerns about alleged unfair treatment during military recruitment, the Minister-designate underscored the importance of equity and regional balance.
He affirmed that recruitment practices would uphold fairness to ensure representation across all regions of the country.
Commenting on reports of unqualified individuals gaining entry into the Military Academy, Dr. Omane Boamah stressed the high standards required for service.
“If you’re enlisted into the Military Academy, you must abandon all hopes of normal life,” he said.
“Enlisting without meeting the necessary qualifications jeopardizes both your life and the integrity of the Armed Forces.”

Combatting illegal mining through collaboration
The nominee also addressed the deployment of soldiers for domestic operations, particularly in the fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
While acknowledging the military’s role in supporting such efforts, he stressed the importance of collaboration with the police to maintain balance and avoid undermining the police force’s capacity.
“The police and the military must work together to combat illegal mining,” Dr. Omane Boamah stated.
He proposed a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue, including providing alternative livelihoods, reclaiming mined-out areas, and deploying drones for monitoring.

A vision for a modernized military
Dr. Omane Boamah’s vision for Ghana’s military involves a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its capabilities while addressing the welfare of personnel.
He assured the Committee of his readiness to work towards a modernized, efficient Armed Forces that remains a pillar of Ghana’s national security.
Upon approval, the nominee pledged to prioritize key issues, balancing innovation and investment to build a military that is equipped to meet contemporary challenges.