A former Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has vehemently rejected allegations of unaccounted-for ammunition transfers within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
He asserts that all such movements are meticulously documented, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Amankwa-Manu’s comments, reported by adomonline.com on July 22, 2025, challenged a recent claim by the current Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
Dr Boamah had publicly stated that thousands of rounds of military ammunition, reportedly transferred from the GAF to the National Security Secretariat in 2024, could not be accounted for.
Addressing the issue, the Atwima Mponua Member of Parliament explained the stringent regulations governing ammunition handling within the armed forces, making it “impossible for such items to go missing without record.”
“Ammunition is not like tomatoes you buy and use immediately. There are always proper records on transfers,” he said.
The former deputy minister criticised Dr Omane Boamah for publicising the alleged anomaly, warning that such disclosures could induce public fear and erode trust in the military.
“Even if there was a transfer of weapons that went unaccounted for, the defence minister has every arsenal at his disposal to investigate it. You dont make such statements in public to cause fear and panic,” Amankwa-Manu stated.
He further urged discretion in public commentary regarding sensitive security matters, particularly given the prevailing security climate in the country, citing the ongoing situation in Bawku.
“We dont need these statements at this time… You sit quietly and solve the problem,” he advised.
He cited past defence ministers, including Addo Kufuor, Victor Smith, and Dominic Nitiwul, who he believes resolved challenges discreetly.
“If you dont take care, the integrity and competence of the men and women in uniform will become questionable,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Dr Omane Boamah has reportedly ordered the National Security Secretariat to investigate the alleged ammunition transfers.
MRA/VPO
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