GHANA’S DEFENCE MINISTRY SWEARS IN ADVISORY BOARD

Introduction

In a significant move to bolster strategic governance and stakeholder engagement, the Ministry of Defence in Ghana has officially sworn in its Ministerial Advisory Board. This pivotal ceremony took place on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the Addo Kuffour Conference Hall within the “Square,” the headquarters of the Ministry. The establishment of this board is a proactive administrative measure designed to bridge the gap between the Ministry and the diverse communities it serves. By integrating expertise from both public and private sectors, the Ministry aims to refine its policy directives, streamline planning goals, and enhance operational methodologies. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transparent, collaborative, and effective defence management.

Key Points

Background

The formation of the Ministerial Advisory Board is not an isolated event but a structured component of Ghana’s public service administration. To understand the significance of this development, it is necessary to look at the legislative framework and the standard composition of such bodies.

Legal Framework and Mandate

The establishment of Advisory Boards for government ministries in Ghana is legally mandated under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327). This legislation was enacted to modernize the civil service and ensure that government operations are responsive to the needs of the citizenry. The Act provides the statutory backing for ministries to create advisory bodies that serve as a liaison between the government machinery and the public or specialized interest groups. The existence of this legal framework ensures that the board is not merely a ceremonial addition but a functional entity with defined rights and responsibilities.

Standard Composition of Advisory Boards

Typically, Ministerial Advisory Boards in Ghana are composed of a mix of internal government officials and external experts. This hybrid structure ensures that decisions are informed by both administrative experience and specialized industry knowledge. Common members usually include the substantive Minister, the Deputy Minister, and the Chief Director of the Ministry. Additionally, representatives from key private sector organizations, professional associations, and other relevant government agencies are co-opted to provide a broader perspective. This composition is designed to prevent policy isolation, ensuring that the Ministry’s strategies are grounded in practical reality and professional expertise.

Analysis

The swearing-in of the Defence Ministry Advisory Board represents a strategic enhancement of the Ministry’s operational architecture. Analyzing the composition and the stated objectives reveals a clear intent to integrate specialized knowledge into the high-level decision-making processes of national defence.

Stakeholder Representation and Expertise

The individuals sworn in represent a diverse range of expertise critical to the logistics and human resources aspects of defence. For instance, the inclusion of Mr. Robert Gyang from the Ghana Institute of Personnel Management suggests a focus on optimizing the human capital within the defence sector. Personnel management is vital for maintaining morale, efficiency, and professionalism within the armed forces.

Furthermore, the presence of Mr. Christian Bankas from the Defence Food and Supply Association highlights the importance of logistics. In any military operation, the supply chain—specifically food and general supplies—is the backbone of sustainability. Having an expert in this field on the board ensures that logistical planning is efficient and cost-effective.

Lastly, Surveyor Beatrice Akpene Kom from the Ghana Institute of Surveyors brings technical expertise that is crucial for infrastructure development, land mapping, and potentially border security management. This diverse expertise ensures that the Ministry’s policies are holistic, covering human resources, logistics, and infrastructure.

Strategic Role of the Board

The board’s role extends beyond simple advice; it serves as a mechanism for participatory decision-making. By formally including external stakeholders, the Ministry creates a feedback loop that can identify operational bottlenecks or policy gaps that internal staff might overlook. This is particularly important in the context of national security, where the impact of policies is felt across various sectors of society. The board acts as a “think tank” that validates strategies against real-world constraints and opportunities.

Practical Advice

For civil servants, stakeholders, and citizens interested in engaging with the new Defence Ministry Advisory Board, understanding the protocols and opportunities is essential. Here is how relevant parties can navigate this new structure:

For Stakeholders and Industry Partners

Organizations represented on the board, such as the Ghana Institute of Personnel Management and the Defence Food and Supply Association, should prepare to synthesize the concerns of their members. It is practical to:

• Compile Data: Gather relevant data and case studies that highlight the challenges and opportunities within your sector as it relates to defence.
• Establish Internal Committees: Create internal working groups to draft position papers that can be presented to your representative on the board prior to the January 2026 meeting.
• Monitor Agendas: Watch for public communiqués regarding the board’s agenda to align your organization’s advocacy with the Ministry’s strategic focus.

For Civil Society and Researchers

The board offers a formal channel for civil engagement. Researchers focusing on national security or public administration can:

• Submit Research: Look for official channels to submit policy briefs or research findings that align with the board’s mandate of advising on policy instructions and planning goals.
• Engage with Members: Network with the sworn-in members to understand the priorities of the board, as these individuals are now the primary interface between the public and the Ministry.

FAQ

Conclusion

The swearing-in of the Ministerial Advisory Board marks a new chapter in the administrative life of the Ghana Ministry of Defence. By leveraging the expertise of professionals from the Ghana Institute of Personnel Management, the Defence Food and Supply Association, and the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, the Ministry is positioning itself to adopt more robust, informed, and stakeholder-centric policies. As the board prepares for its maiden meeting in January 2026, all eyes will be on how this collaborative mechanism translates into tangible improvements in defence planning and operational efficiency. This move reaffirms the government’s dedication to the Civil Service Act’s mandate of ensuring that public administration remains responsive, accountable, and effective.