Security Expert Calls for Historic Nomination: Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Ghana’s Defence Minister

A prominent Ghanaian security analyst has issued a bold and public appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to break a longstanding precedent by nominating a woman to lead the Ministry of Defence. The expert, Dr. Ishmael Norman, specifically advocates for the nomination of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, positioning the potential appointment as a transformative step for Ghana’s national security architecture, gender equality, and international reputation. This recommendation arrives amid ongoing national discourse on representation, the implementation of gender policy, and the strategic direction of Ghana’s military and internal security apparatus.

Key Points of the Recommendation

Dr. Norman’s central argument, presented during an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, is built on several interconnected pillars:

• Breaking a Gender Ceiling: He emphasizes that the Defence Ministry has historically been a male-dominated portfolio, and appointing a woman would be a powerful symbolic and practical rupture with this tradition.
• Reputational and Inspirational Benefit: The appointment would send a “high up” signal of empowerment to all women and girls in Ghana, demonstrating that the highest echelons of state security are accessible based on merit.
• Candidate’s Proven Qualifications: Dr. Norman points to Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings’ specific experience, including her service on Parliament’s Defence and Interior and Intelligence subcommittees, and her engagement with the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, as direct preparation for the role.
• Holistic Skill Set: He highlights her background as a medical doctor, a legislator versed in policy and budgeting, and a disciplined professional, arguing this combination is ideal for the multifaceted demands of the Defence Ministry.
• Alignment with National Policy: The call aligns with Ghana’s affirmative action policy, which mandates that women occupy at least 30% of public sector leadership positions—a target yet to be met in the defence sector.
• Process-Oriented Caution: While advocating strongly for the specific nominee, Dr. Norman acknowledges the constitutional appointment process involving the President and Council of State, stressing the need for wide consultation with military and security stakeholders.

Background: The Ministry of Defence and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

The Historical Context of Ghana’s Defence Ministry

Since Ghana’s independence, the Ministry of Defence has been a critical pillar of the state, overseeing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Security Council Secretariat. The minister is responsible for civilian oversight of the military, defence policy formulation, budget management, and representing the armed forces in cabinet. Historically, this portfolio has been held by senior male political figures, often with military or extensive governmental experience. The deputy minister role, currently held by Hon. Ernest Bronya Genfi, provides operational support. The ministry’s work sits at the intersection of national sovereignty, regional security (particularly in the Sahel), and international peacekeeping commitments, making its leadership highly consequential.

Profile of the Proposed Nominee: Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings is a two-term MP for Korle Klottey. Her professional and parliamentary trajectory provides the foundation for this nomination suggestion:

• Medical Career: A trained medical doctor, she brings a science-based, problem-solving approach and an understanding of health systems—a crucial component of military readiness and veteran care.
• Parliamentary Service: Her committee assignments are directly relevant. Serving on the Defence and Interior Committee and the Intelligence Committee has given her first-hand, scrutinizing knowledge of the defence and security budget, procurement, operational challenges, and intelligence oversight.
• Security Sector Engagement: Her participation in activities at the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College indicates a familiarity with military professional education, strategic thinking, and the officer corps culture.
• Political Pedigree and Public Service: As the daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings, she has a lifelong exposure to Ghana’s governance and security landscape, though her credentials are presented as independent of this lineage.

Dr. Norman’s assertion that “there isn’t an iota of any unhealthy thing said about her” points to a perceived clean reputation and integrity, which he argues is paramount for a role handling classified information and significant resources.

Analysis: Implications of the Proposed Appointment

Strategic Advantages of Gender Diversity in National Security

Appointing a woman to the defence portfolio is framed not as tokenism but as a strategic asset. Research in peace and security studies suggests that gender-inclusive security sectors can lead to:

• Improved Community Relations: Female officers and leaders often have better access to and rapport with women and civilian populations in conflict or post-conflict zones, enhancing intelligence gathering and hearts-and-minds campaigns.
• Broader Policy Perspectives: Diverse leadership teams consider a wider array of social, economic, and human security implications in decision-making, potentially leading to more holistic defence and security policies.
• Enhanced International Partnerships: Many of Ghana’s key security partners (e.g., NATO allies, the UN, the EU) prioritize gender mainstreaming in their own defence diplomacy. A female defence minister could strengthen these collaborative ties and access specific funding or training streams focused on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
• Internal Morale and Recruitment: It would signal to female personnel within the GAF that career progression is truly merit-based, potentially improving retention and attracting more talented women to security careers.

Legal and Policy Framework: Ghana’s Affirmative Action Law

Dr. Norman’s reference to “affirmative action regulation” points to Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) and subsequent national gender policies that advocate for a minimum of 30-40% representation of women in public and governmental leadership positions. While the law focuses broadly on governance, its spirit applies to all ministries. The defence sector has consistently fallen short of this benchmark. A high-profile appointment like this would be a powerful compliance signal and could catalyze similar moves in the security agencies (GAF, Police, Immigration). However, it is important to note that while the policy encourages targets, it does not mandate a specific gender for a presidential appointment, which remains a discretionary constitutional power.

Evaluating the Candidate’s Specific Qualifications

The analysis must move beyond general calls for diversity to assess the specific fit:

• Policy & Budget Expertise: Her committee work suggests she understands the parliamentary process for approving defence budgets and holding the ministry accountable. The Defence Ministry requires a minister who can expertly navigate the Public Financial Management Act and justify allocations to Parliament.
• Technical vs. Political Leadership: The role is fundamentally political. The minister must translate political priorities into military strategy, manage inter-agency rivalry, and act as the primary civilian check on the professional military. Her parliamentary and political experience is a direct asset here.
• Security Clearance and Trust: The candidate would require top-level security clearance and must build immediate trust with the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs. Her prior interactions with the Staff College are a positive indicator, but the ultimate test would be her ability to command respect in closed-door strategic sessions.
• Public Communication: The minister is a key spokesperson for national security. Dr. Zanetor’s experience in media and public rallies could be an advantage in explaining sensitive operations to the public.

Potential Challenges and Counterarguments

A balanced analysis must consider potential hurdles:

• Institutional Resistance: Some within the traditionally masculine military culture might initially resist a female civilian leader, regardless of her qualifications. This would require exceptional diplomatic skill from both the minister and the President.
• Lack of Direct Command Experience: Critics may argue she lacks direct command or operational military experience. However, this is not a constitutional requirement; the role is defined by civilian oversight, not operational command.
• Political Calculus: The appointment could be viewed through a partisan lens. President Mahama would need to frame it as a national, non-partisan decision focused on Ghana’s best interests.
• Deputy Minister Dynamics: The effective working relationship with the current Deputy Minister, Ernest Bronya Genfi, who is described as “cautious and diplomatic,” would be crucial for a smooth transition and unified leadership.

Practical Advice: Navigating the Appointment Process

For this recommendation to transition from advocacy to reality, several steps aligned with Ghana’s constitutional and political norms are essential:

For the President and Executive:

1. Formal Vetting: Initiate the standard vetting process through national security agencies to assess suitability, security clearance, and potential conflicts of interest.
2. Strategic Consultation: As Dr. Norman advised, hold extensive consultations with the Council of State, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and key parliamentary leaders from both sides of the aisle. This builds ownership and mitigates institutional friction.
3. Clear Mandate Communication: Upon appointment, the President must clearly articulate the strategic rationale—linking it to national development, gender equality goals, and modern security needs—to set the tone for the minister’s tenure.

For the Nominee and Supporters:

1. Build Institutional Bridges: Dr. Zanetor should proactively engage with the military hierarchy, veterans’ groups, and security think tanks to listen, learn, and establish her commitment to the armed forces’ welfare and professionalism.
2. Policy Blueprint: Develop a clear, evidence-based vision for the ministry that addresses pressing issues: funding for equipment, troops’ welfare, community engagement, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
3. Bipartisan Outreach: Seek meetings with opposition party leaders, especially those with defence/security portfolios, to present plans and solicit input, reinforcing the national-security-over-partisan-politics narrative.

For Civil Society and Media:

1. Focus on Merit and Policy: Advocacy should center on the candidate’s documented qualifications and the policy benefits of diversity, avoiding personality politics or inflammatory rhetoric.
2. Monitor the Process: Scrutinize the consultation process for transparency and inclusivity, ensuring the appointment is perceived as legitimate.
3. Educate the Public: Explain the importance of civilian control of the military and how diverse leadership strengthens democratic oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a legal requirement for Ghana to have a female Defence Minister?

No. There is no law mandating a specific gender for the Defence Minister. The President’s appointment power is constitutional and discretionary. However, the appointment would be a powerful fulfillment of the spirit of Ghana’s affirmative action and gender equality policies, which call for increased women’s participation in leadership.

What specific qualifications make Dr. Zanetor suitable for this role?

Her suitability is argued on three fronts: 1) Direct Parliamentary Experience on the Defence & Interior and Intelligence committees, giving her oversight and budgetary knowledge of the sector. 2) Professional Background as a medical doctor, indicating analytical rigor and a systems approach. 3) Proven Engagement with military institutions like the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, showing a pre-existing relationship with the security sector.

How does the appointment of a Defence Minister actually work in Ghana?

The President selects a nominee, who must be a member of Parliament or become one within six months. The nominee undergoes vetting (implicitly by security agencies). The President formally appoints the minister. While the Council of State provides advice to the President on such appointments, it is not a veto body. The nominee’s appointment is complete upon the President’s signing of the instrument of appointment and subsequent swearing-in.

What is the role of the Deputy Minister in this context?

The Deputy Minister (currently Hon. Ernest Bronya Genfi) assists the substantive minister, often handling day-to-day administrative tasks, representing the ministry in Parliament, and acting in the minister’s absence. A smooth working relationship between the minister and deputy is critical for effective leadership. Dr. Norman’s praise for the deputy’s “cautious and diplomatic” style suggests he could provide valuable institutional memory and stability during a leadership transition.

Could this appointment actually happen, or is it just political rhetoric?

It is a realistic possibility, though not a certainty. President Mahama has a track record of appointing women to high-profile ministries (e.g., Foreign Affairs, Finance). The public advocacy from a respected security expert adds pressure and a concrete rationale. The final decision will hinge on the President’s assessment of the candidate’s qualifications, the political cost/benefit analysis,