WAANSA Ghana commends Omane Boamah on appointment as Defense Minister

The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) has commended Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah on his appointment as Minister of Defense, describing it as a reflection of his leadership, expertise, and dedication to national security.

In a statement, WAANSA Ghana President Ken Kinney congratulated Dr. Boamah, noting that his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama, successful vetting by Parliament, and swearing-in to office were clear endorsements of his capabilities. The organization acknowledged his extensive experience, citing his past roles as Minister for Communications and Deputy Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, as well as his deep understanding of Ghana’s security framework.

WAANSA Ghana expressed confidence in Dr. Boamah’s ability to provide strong civilian oversight of the Ministry of Defense while ensuring efficient coordination with the country’s security agencies. The organization urged him to focus on urgent national security challenges, particularly the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which continues to fuel internal conflicts and insecurity in Ghana and across the ECOWAS sub-region.

The group also called on the new minister to prioritize the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, which aims to regulate international arms trade, prevent illicit trafficking, and enhance regional security. Additionally, WAANSA Ghana urged Dr. Boamah to accelerate efforts toward the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023, which seeks to regulate arms possession, trade, and transfer in Ghana while strengthening security measures against small arms proliferation.

WAANSA Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Defense in advocating for the swift passage of the bill. The organization emphasized that Ghana is one of three African countries selected to benefit from the SALIENT Trust Fund initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This initiative aims to combat armed violence and illicit arms trafficking while promoting sustainable security and development.

As part of its broader efforts, WAANSA Ghana is working closely with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre to strengthen Ghana’s role in regional disarmament efforts. The organization also acknowledged the contributions of various civil society groups that continue to advocate for security reforms, governance, and community safety.

WAANSA Ghana concluded its statement by congratulating Dr. Omane Boamah once again and expressing optimism about his leadership in addressing pressing security concerns and advancing Ghana’s defense sector.