Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has commended the government of President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as significant reforms and investments in Ghana’s defence sector.
According to Dr. Segbefia, the reforms are repositioning the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as a more professional, better-equipped and people-centred institution capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats while contributing to national development.
He made the remarks during an interaction with NDC grassroots representatives in the Greater Accra Region, where he urged party executives and supporters to communicate the government’s achievements to communities and demonstrate how national policies translate into tangible opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Rebuilding Ghana’s Defence Capacity
Dr. Segbefia argued that prior to the NDC’s return to government in January 2025, the Ghana Armed Forces faced challenges relating to equipment, logistics, personnel welfare and its ability to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
He said the Mahama administration had consequently made the strengthening of national defence a key component of its governance agenda.
“President Mahama’s defence agenda is about building a professional, well-equipped and people-centred armed force for peace, security and development,” he said.
He highlighted investments in military logistics and operational capabilities, including armoured vehicles, drones, naval assets, surveillance equipment and modern communication systems.
According to him, the investments are intended to strengthen Ghana’s ability to combat terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational security threats.
He also pointed to increased security deployments and surveillance along Ghana’s northern borders as important measures to prevent the spillover of terrorist activities from the Sahel.
Improved Welfare for Personnel
Dr. Segbefia also drew attention to what he described as improvements in the welfare of military personnel and their families.
He cited the provision of operational logistics, including vehicles, fuel, food and spare parts, as well as improvements in housing, healthcare and educational infrastructure within military communities.
He mentioned areas including Burma Camp and Michel Camp, where he said investments in housing, schools and health facilities would improve living conditions for military families.
He further highlighted salaries and allowances, healthcare, pensions and resettlement support for retired personnel as critical components of restoring morale within the Armed Forces.
“An armed force cannot perform at its best when the welfare and dignity of its personnel are neglected. Taking care of our soldiers is also taking care of national security,” he said.
Defence and National Development
Beyond conventional security responsibilities, Dr. Segbefia said the Ghana Armed Forces had an important role to play in national development.
He cited the contribution of military engineers and medical personnel to road construction, infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency response and health outreach programmes.
He also commended the Armed Forces for their role in responding to floods, disasters and other emergencies, arguing that such interventions demonstrate that the military is not only an institution for national defence but also an important partner in development.
He pointed to the military’s participation in disaster-response efforts, including responses to flooding and emergencies around the country.
Opportunities for NDC Grassroots
Dr. Segbefia urged constituency and branch executives not merely to speak about defence reforms but to help communities take advantage of legitimate opportunities created by government investments.
He encouraged NDC executives to identify qualified young people within their communities and provide them with information about Ghana Armed Forces recruitment and other employment opportunities.
He also urged young people to acquire technical and vocational skills in areas such as driving, mechanics, carpentry, electrical work and nursing.
“Let us identify qualified young people in our branches and help them understand the opportunities available. Our responsibility is not to promise them jobs but to help them prepare themselves to compete for legitimate opportunities,” he said.
He further encouraged farmers, market women, contractors and small businesses to explore lawful opportunities to supply food, materials and services to military establishments and operations.
According to him, local businesses should be positioned to participate in government procurement processes while constituency executives engage relevant institutions to ensure that local enterprises are aware of available opportunities.
Security as an Economic Opportunity
Dr. Segbefia said improved security has direct implications for local economies.
“When borders are secure, farmers can farm, traders can trade and communities can sleep peacefully,” he said.
He argued that the fight against illegal mining, organised crime, drug trafficking and other security threats should therefore be viewed not only as a national security responsibility but also as an economic and community-development priority.
He urged party activists to support lawful security operations in their communities and to cooperate with the security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the appropriate channels.
Building Public Confidence
The aspiring NDC National Vice Chairman also challenged party communicators and grassroots executives to tell the story of government interventions in ways that ordinary citizens can understand.
He said the party must demonstrate how national investments affect individuals and communities.
“When a young man from Assin joins the Army, when a market woman legitimately supplies food to a military facility, when a fisherman in Tema can operate safely at sea, and when a community becomes safer, people must understand that security and development are connected,” he said.
He added that the NDC’s ability to demonstrate tangible improvements in security, jobs, welfare and community development would help strengthen public confidence in the party.
Call to the Grassroots
Dr. Segbefia urged constituency executives to identify military families and ex-servicemen within their communities and maintain constructive relationships with them.
He also called for community cooperation with military and other security operations targeting crime, illegal mining, drug trafficking and threats to public safety.
He maintained that the NDC must continue communicating its record while ensuring that grassroots structures remain connected to the needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens.
“Comrades, the task is to mobilise qualified youth, support legitimate local businesses, cooperate with security agencies and tell the story of what government is doing in our communities,” he said.
He concluded by describing the defence agenda as part of a broader effort to strengthen national security, restore confidence in Ghana’s security institutions and create an environment in which citizens can live and work peacefully.
“NDC is rebuilding national security. NDC is protecting Ghana. NDC cares about our soldiers, veterans and communities. Let us keep the peace, keep the smiles and share the gains with the grassroots,” Dr. Segbefia said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
