The government has uncovered a previously unreported case of ammunition theft within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), predating a separate 2024 incident involving the unaccounted transfer of thousands of rounds to the National Security Secretariat.
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah made the disclosure during a working visit to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, as part of his familiarisation tour of Ghana’s military institutions.
According to Dr. Boamah, the earlier case of internal theft is now under scrutiny and highlights the need for tighter arms control and monitoring across the security sector.
“In 2024, there was an incident involving the movement of ammunition from the Ghana Armed Forces to the National Security Secretariat. That situation is under investigation by the Secretariat, under President Mahama’s leadership,” he said.
“But beyond that particular incident, we have uncovered another case — a prior theft of ammunition from within the Armed Forces.”
Link to National Security and Civil Unrest
Dr. Boamah warned that some of the stolen weapons and ammunition may have ended up in civilian hands, contributing to the rise in chieftaincy-related conflicts and insecurity in parts of the country.
“This is a serious concern because these weapons often fall into the hands of untrained individuals with dangerous motives,” he stated.
Government Response
The Defence Minister assured the public that the government is taking swift and decisive action to close security loopholes and ensure greater accountability within the armed forces. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected from the National Security Secretariat.
