A former Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has refuted claims of unaccounted ammunition transfers within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), insisting that all purchases and transfers are properly documented for traceability and accountability.
His comments come in response to concerns raised by the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who alleged that thousands of rounds of military ammunition transferred from the GAF to the National Security Secretariat in 2024 have not been accounted for.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Atwima Mponua MP argued that ammunition, unlike consumables, goes through strictly regulated processes that ensure proper oversight and prevent misuse.
“Ammunition is not like tomatoes you buy and use immediately. There are always proper records on transfers,” Mr. Amankwa-Manu stated, defending the credibility of the defence sector’s procurement systems.
He, however, criticised the Defence Minister’s public disclosure of the matter, saying such comments are likely to cause fear and panic while damaging public confidence 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 don’t make such statements in public to cause fear and panic,” he cautioned.
Mr. Amankwa-Manu further called for responsible public discourse, especially on issues of national security.
“We don’t need these statements at this time, considering what is happening in this country, not to talk of Bawku. You sit quietly and solve the problem. Addo Kufuor and Victor Smith served as Defence Ministers, and I’m sure they faced challenges but resolved them quietly.”
“Even under Dominic Nitiwul, there were problems, but it wasn’t about talking—it was about action. If you don’t take care, the integrity and competence of the men and women in uniform will become questionable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Omane Boamah has directed the National Security Secretariat to investigate the reported transfer.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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