The recent reshuffle within the top echelons of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is not a punitive exercise but a deliberate strategy to inject fresh dynamism and significantly boost morale, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has stated. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show (SMS) today, June 12, Dr. Boamah provided a detailed breakdown of the changes, clarifying that the majority are driven by mandatory retirements and strategic reassignments, contrary to what he termed “untruthful” narratives. Responding to a parliamentary question posed by the Member for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Dr Boamah appeared before Parliament and clarified the rationale behind what has been perceived as a sweeping shake-up within the military’s top brass.
Explaining further on Thursday in an interview, Dr. Boamah addressed concerns that the changes would negatively impact morale, stating, “The fact of the matter is that such changes boost morale.” He explained that the GAF operates on a “pyramidal structure” where career progression at the top becomes increasingly narrow. “The way to really boost morale is when others exit and go honourably to leave room for others beneath them who have learnt so much from them to also take over from their seniors.” He cited the presence of over 100 Brigadier Generals who require career advancement opportunities.
The minister clarified the composition of the 15 generals affected by the changes: Eight (8) have reached their compulsory retirement age (e.g., Colonels retire at 57, Brigadier Generals at 60, Major Generals and equivalents typically at 63 or 64 years). These officers are proceeding on terminal leave, a standard entitlement calculated as one month for every four years of service, which can accumulate to as much as 10 months for a general with 40 years of service. Three (3) senior officers, who have not reached retirement age, have been strategically reassigned: One is serving as a Deputy Force Commander for a United Nations mission in South Sudan.
A distinguished female Major General, personally commended by President Mahama, is serving as a Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Air Vice Marshall Felix Asanti has been appointed Acting President of the National Defence University by President Mahama’s government. Dr. Omane Boamah emphasised that the remaining four changes are also part of normal military transitions, refuting claims that all 15 had their appointments abruptly terminated. Beyond the natural progression facilitated by retirements, the Defence Minister outlined a raft of ongoing reforms aimed at intrinsically boosting morale within the GAF:
Investment in Modern Equipment: Efforts are underway to upgrade the GAF’s operational capabilities with contemporary equipment. Addressing Housing Deficit: The government is actively working to resolve an acute housing deficit within the GAF, which stands at approximately 17,000 housing units. Afar Hospital Project: Measures are being implemented to overcome bottlenecks and ensure the completion of the crucial Afar Hospital project this year, enhancing healthcare services for military personnel and their families. GAF Industries Initiative: A new, ambitious initiative is on his desk to enable the GAF to generate its own wealth, aiming to reduce its reliance on government budgetary allocations by as much as 50% within a maximum of seven years. This self-sustaining model is expected to provide greater financial autonomy for welfare and operational needs. “Morale is very, very high,” Dr. Omane Boamah concluded, assuring the populace that the Ghana Armed Forces remains operationally effective and highly motivated through these strategic changes and ongoing reforms.
Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/
