Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is now the first female Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council. She pledged commitment to her role, while President Mahama highlighted the need to modernize the armed forces.

Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has made history as the first female Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, according to an announcement from the presidency. The inauguration of the Council took place on Monday at the Ministry of Defence in Accra, with President John Dramani Mahama presiding over the event.

The Armed Forces Council, established under the 1992 Constitution, plays a crucial advisory role to the president on defense and strategic issues. Its responsibilities encompass the management of military budgeting and finance, the administration of the armed forces, and the promotion of officers above the rank of lieutenant colonel or its equivalent.

The newly inaugurated council includes notable members such as Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, and Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Minister. Other members are Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Minister for the Interior; Mr. Daniel Addo; Mr. Fuseini Iddrisu; and Madam Nancy Dankwa Ampofo.

In her acceptance speech, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang expressed her commitment to serving the Council with dedication and patriotism. She stated, "I think this is very important. As a council, we accept to serve diligently, loyally, with patriotic zeal to reset Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that we have peace and stability for our beloved nation."

Addressing the council members, President Mahama emphasized his administration's dedication to modernizing the armed forces to confront emerging security threats. He remarked, "The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance. The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them."

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the country's security challenges, noting the need to address issues at the borders and internal security concerns. She assured President Mahama that the Council would fulfill its mandate effectively and maintain open communication with the presidency whenever necessary.