Ghana's civil-military relations are facing an unprecedented crisis, according to retired military officer Colonel Festus Aboagye. This crisis is attributed to the systemic militarization that occurred under the Akufo-Addo administration from 2017 to 2024. To address this issue, Colonel Aboagye has presented a policy brief outlining recommendations for reform.
The brief highlights the need for immediate reforms in three key areas: military deployments, appointments and promotions, and civilian oversight. Firstly, Colonel Aboagye recommends restructuring military deployments by withdrawing military personnel from VIP protection duties and ending military involvement in commercialized security operations. Instead, units, establishments, and troops should focus on core national defense functions.
Regarding appointments and promotions, the brief suggests reforming the system by restoring merit-based selection processes, implementing transparent promotion systems, and establishing clear criteria for senior positions. This would help to ensure that appointments and promotions are based on competence and merit rather than political considerations.
To strengthen civilian oversight, Colonel Aboagye recommends enhancing parliamentary supervision mechanisms, establishing clear accountability frameworks, and implementing robust monitoring systems. This would help to ensure that the military is accountable to the civilian government and that its actions are transparent and subject to scrutiny.
Furthermore, the brief calls for the reform of military deployment protocols by creating clear legal frameworks for domestic operations, establishing strict authorization procedures, and developing specific rules of engagement consistent with human rights and international humanitarian laws.
Finally, Colonel Aboagye recommends transforming the National Security apparatus by removing armed military units and individuals and establishing constitutional boundaries. This would help to ensure that the National Security apparatus is accountable to the civilian government and that its actions are transparent and subject to scrutiny.
The recommendations presented by Colonel Aboagye are timely and relevant, given the current state of Ghana's civil-military relations. The incoming administration would do well to consider these recommendations and implement reforms that would help to strengthen civilian oversight, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that the military is focused on its core national defense functions.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0