A Retired Military Officer Col Festus Aboagye, has noted that Ghana’s civil-military relations are in an unprecedented crisis.
This, he said, follows systemic militarisation under the Akufo-Addo administration from 2017-2024.
He has therefore made a number of recommendations in a policy brief analysing how military politicisation and civilian space encroachment threaten democratic governance and constitutional order.
The brief recommends immediate reforms restructuring military deployments by withdrawing military personnel from VIP protection duties, ending military involvement in commercialised security operations, and returning units, establishments and troops to core national defence functions.
It also wants military appointments and promotions reformed by restoring merit-based selection processes, implementing transparent promotion systems, and establishing clear criteria for senior positions.
Strengthen civilian oversight by enhancing parliamentary supervision mechanisms, establishing clear accountability frameworks, and implementing robust monitoring systems.
“Reform military deployment protocols by creating clear legal frameworks for domestic operations, establishing strict authorisation procedures, and developing specific rules of engagement consistent with human rights and international humanitarian (IHL) laws.
“Transform the National Security apparatus by removing armed military units and individuals and establishing constitutional boundaries,” he said.
