Defence Minister-designate, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey in Ghana.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 he noted that military intervention alone would not solve the problem.
“The fight against galamsey should not be viewed purely through the lens of soldiers going to fight it. We need to engage the people and inform them of the other livelihood programmes and their benefits,” he stated.
Dr. Boamah argued that alternative livelihood programs and the use of modern technology must be incorporated into the fight against illegal mining.
“So the numbers will reduce and those that will be left won’t overwhelm the police. We need to fight galamsey as a comprehensive thing and bring in the military, in addition to modern technology to help them deal with it.”
He called for a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders to find lasting solution to the galamsey crisis.
Fight Against Terrorism
Dr. Omane Boamah also pledged to strengthen Ghana’s defence systems in response to the growing threat of terrorism in the West African sub-region.
He underscored the need for advanced security infrastructure, particularly Ghana’s Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOB) to enhance national security.
“The Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOB) are critical and are needed in protecting Ghana. Terrorism has caught up with us and successive governments have done well by curbing it, but there are reports that there are some sleeper cells and we need the FOBs to help secure our borders.”
He further emphasised Ghana’s geographical vulnerability due to its extensive borders and assured the committee of his commitment to national security.
“We have over 2,000 kilometres of borders and if these fighters are to attack us, we need the FOBs to protect ourselves. So you have my assurances that we will do everything to protect and safeguard our dear nation.”
Concerns Over Impartiality
Dr. Omane Boamah also reassured Ghanaians that his previous role as Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not affect his impartiality as Defence Minister.
“No Ghanaian should have any fear about my impartiality,” he said. “In fact, I can be the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) and still be impartial. I am committed to serving Ghana with fairness and integrity.”
He clarified that his engagement with the NDC was limited to the election period and he had since disengaged from political party activities.
“I took up the job of IT and Elections for the NDC and after the elections, I told them my job was over. I am no longer involved in any political party activities.”
Military Infrastructure and Welfare
Dr. Boamah acknowledged the housing deficit within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and promising to prioritise accommodation for soldiers.
“Accommodation is very critical. The deficit is about 17,000 if I’m not mistaken. Efforts have been made by successive governments to bridge this gap. Let me assure you that several options would be considered.”
He outlined possible funding avenues, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and government budget allocations to ensure soldiers receive decent accommodation.
“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, it will be befitting [accommodation].”
Beyond infrastructure, he pledged to prioritise the mental health of soldiers, recognising its critical role in security operations.
“Without sound mental health, security personnel cannot adequately provide the security we expect from them.”
He highlighted the need to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and vowed to increase the number of mental health professionals in the GAF.
“PTSD affects individuals across all professions, including soldiers. If approved, I will ensure measures are implemented to protect the mental and general well-being of GAF members.”
Military Healthcare and Recruitment
Dr. Boamah pledged to re-equip the 37 Military Hospital to enhance healthcare delivery for the armed forces.
“Innovative mechanisms would be introduced across all military hospitals in the country to ease pressure on the 37 Military Hospital.”
He also assured the committee that he would prioritise the completion of the abandoned Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region to further improve medical care for military personnel and their families.
On military recruitment, he vowed to tighten medical screening procedures to prevent unqualified individuals from entering the armed forces.
“There are people who have lost their lives during training, and upon further probe, one will realise the deceased did not go through the required medicals thoroughly. This is bad.”
He warned of the grave consequences of bypassing proper procedures and stressed the importance of strict vetting processes to maintain a competent and healthy military force.
