Defence Ministry inaugurates new Advisory Board

The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated a nine-member Ministerial Advisory Board during a ceremony conducted at Burma Camp, Accra.

The Oaths of Allegiance, Office, and Secrecy were administered to the Board members by the Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Dr. Forson stated that the formation of the Ministerial Advisory Board was required by the Civil Service Act of 1993 (PNDC Law 327), pointing out that Section 39 mandated all ministries to create such boards to improve collaboration with stakeholders.

He stated that the law mandated the choice of three representatives from both the public and private sectors, alongside institutional members, which include the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Chief Director.

Dr. Forson stated that the Board’s responsibility was to facilitate ongoing communication between the Ministry and service users, while providing guidance on policy direction, planning goals, and operational strategies, as stipulated in Section 40 of the Act.

He reminded members that the Board must convene a minimum of once each quarter, with the minutes sent to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, as required by Section 41.

Dr. Forson emphasized the Ministry’s responsibility in protecting national security and territorial integrity, highlighting the constitutional duty of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Members were encouraged to uphold the Ministry’s mandate with commitment and honesty.

The Board, chaired by Dr. Forson, consists of Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister; Mr. Dominic Ayine, the Justice Minister and Attorney-General; and Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Defence Minister.

Additional members include Mr. E. A. Kartey, Chief Director at the Ministry of Defence; Mr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance; Mr Robert Gyang; Mr. Christian Bankas; and Ms. Beatrice Akpene Kom of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com