The Minister of Defence-designate, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has outlined his vision to enhance the welfare of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), focusing on addressing their accommodation needs, strengthening national security, and improving healthcare delivery.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, he expressed worry about the accommodation deficit in the GAF, which is currently pegged at approximately 17,000 units, promising to improve it if approved.
“Accommodation is very critical, the deficit is about 17, 000, if I’m not mistaken. And efforts have been made by successive governments to ensure that this deficit is bridged. Let me assure you that several options would be considered.
“The most important thing is to ensure that accommodation is provided. Even if we have to look at the Public Private Partnerships that are being done. Even if we would have to draw on the government of Ghana’s budget," he explained.
Dr. Omane Boamah also outlined his vision for enhancing the country’s security infrastructure, with a particular focus on completing Ghana’s Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOB).
While acknowledging the efforts of previous governments in maintaining peace and stability, he argued that the current security landscape calls for advanced technologies and infrastructure.
Touching on health, the defence minster-designate also unveiled plans to enhance healthcare services for military personnel and their families.
These initiatives, he explained, would decentralise military healthcare services, thereby alleviating pressure on the 37 Military Hospital.
His proposals aim to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and their families, ensuring they have uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services.
“There’s also an ongoing initiative, such that they are looking at building a new facility in Accra to take care of soldiers because it is believed that civilians are over-competing with the soldiers and their families at 37 Military Hospital.
“If that facility is completed, it can reduce the pressure on 37 Military Hospital. Beyond that will be re-equipping the facility to ensure that we use innovative ways of securing drugs. So, a soldier may not be on a peace mission and the spouse comes with the child and the parent may have to be sent out.
“If we put in innovation mechanisms, we can reduce the budget for drugs and consumables. And with Afari Military Hospital and the one which is being considered in Accra, we will be able to limit the pressure on 37 Military Hospital," he stated.
JKB/AE
Watch the vetting below: