The Defence Minister nominee, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has emphasized that the Police Service should be the first to address security issues, with military intervention being a last resort.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on January 28, Dr. Omane Boamah stated that the military’s role is not primarily to enforce law and order but to provide support when the Police are overwhelmed.
“We need to understand the doctrine of soldiers. Soldiers are not trained primarily to enforce law and order in the same way police officers are. If the police are able to handle the situation, they should be allowed to do so,” he explained.
Highlighting the importance of controlled military involvement, the nominee noted that their presence in civilian areas could create unnecessary tension.
“If it becomes necessary to draw on the Ghana Armed Forces, it should be a limited operation. The presence of the military, particularly in civilian areas, can cause shock and awe, and this should not become the norm,” he stated.
Dr. Omane Boamah also referenced the security arrangements during the 2024 election, describing them as a positive step.
“We saw a few instances where military personnel were deployed, and once the IGP completes his investigation into these events, we will better understand the reasoning behind the movement of troops,” he added.
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