Accommodation challenges pushing more soldiers to live outside the barracks — Nitiwul

Former Defence Minister and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency in the Northern Region, Dominic Nitiwul, has identified inadequate accommodation as the most pressing challenge facing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Mr. Nitiwul revealed that many soldiers, particularly those stationed in Accra, are unable to live in the barracks due to a lack of housing facilities.

As a result, they are forced to rent private accommodations within civilian communities.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Asempa FM, he expressed concern that this situation negatively impacts military discipline, as soldiers may adopt behaviours from their surroundings outside the barracks.

“Soldiers should be in the barracks, not in rented apartments or private homes. However, accommodation remains one of the biggest challenges,” he stated.

Mr. Nitiwul noted that while efforts were made to address the issue through new housing projects, progress has been slow due to limited resources.

He warned that the situation could make it difficult to mobilize troops and maintain the high level of discipline expected within the Armed Forces.

He called for urgent intervention to provide adequate housing for military personnel to ensure operational effectiveness and uphold discipline within the force.

—Classfmonline