Security cannot be left to the military alone – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that safeguarding Ghana’s peace and stability is a collective national responsibility and cannot be entrusted solely to the military and security agencies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) at Teshie on Friday, President Mahama urged citizens, communities, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and government institutions to work together to confront emerging security threats.

“Security cannot be seen as the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces and security agencies. It is a shared national duty,” President Mahama stated.

A total of 263 officer cadets were commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces after completing months of intensive military training.

Complex Security Environment

President Mahama noted that Ghana’s security environment, particularly within the West African sub-region, remains complex and volatile, citing terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime as major threats.

“Violent extremism, terrorism and transnational crime continue to pose serious threats, particularly along our northern borders,” he said.

He added that the rise of non-state actors and asymmetric warfare globally has significantly reshaped modern security challenges, requiring a coordinated national response.

Charge to Citizens and Communities

The President called on all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and security-conscious, emphasizing that intelligence gathering and community cooperation are critical to preventing insecurity.

“Citizens, communities, traditional authorities and civil society must work together to protect the peace and stability we cherish,” he stressed.

Praising the Armed Forces

President Mahama commended the Military High Command, training staff and the Commandant of the Ghana Military Academy for producing disciplined and professional officers.

“The confident bearing of the officer cadets on parade today reflects months of rigorous training and personal sacrifice,” he noted.

He reminded the newly commissioned officers that leadership in uniform comes with responsibility and service to the nation.

“Leadership is not about rank or privilege. It is about responsibility, service and sacrifice,” he told the cadets.

Peacekeeping and Democratic Values

The President reaffirmed Ghana’s strong commitment to international peace support operations, describing Ghana as one of the leading troop-contributing countries to United Nations missions.

“Our men and women serve with distinction in fifteen missions worldwide under the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS,” he said.

He also emphasized that the Ghana Armed Forces remain loyal defenders of democratic governance.

“In a sub-region challenged by unconstitutional changes of government, our Armed Forces remain firm defenders of democracy, civilian authority and the rule of law,” President Mahama stated.

Modernisation and Welfare

President Mahama assured personnel and retirees that government is committed to improving welfare and strengthening the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

“We are investing in modern equipment, advanced training and improved welfare to respond effectively to terrorism, piracy and cross-border crime,” he said.

He disclosed plans to acquire new helicopters, restore MI-17 heavy-lift helicopters, construct 10,000 housing units over five years, and recruit about 12,000 new personnel within three years.

Final Charge to Graduates

Addressing the graduating cadets, President Mahama urged them to serve with integrity, humility and professionalism.

“You are guardians of peace, justice and national unity. Lead with courage, compassion and honour,” he charged.