Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the newly appointed Defence Minister, has emphasized that the Police Service should take the lead in handling internal security issues, with the military stepping in only when absolutely necessary. Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, he explained that the police should serve as the first line of defense for domestic security to promote a more community-oriented and less militarized approach to law enforcement. According to him, this strategy could strengthen trust and improve relationships between the public and security services.
“We need to understand the doctrine of a soldier. Soldiers are not trained primarily to enforce law and order in the same way police officers are. If the police are able to handle the situation, they should be allowed to do so,” Dr. Omane stated. He noted that the military has a critical role in national security but stressed that their deployment should be limited to extreme situations. Such restraint, he said, ensures that the military’s involvement is proportionate to the threat and minimizes risks and unintended consequences.
Dr. Omane further cautioned against normalizing military presence in civilian areas, as it could create fear and unease among citizens. He referred to recent instances of troop deployment and said the public awaits the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) findings to understand the rationale behind those movements. “The presence of the military, particularly in civilian areas, can cause shock and awe, and this should not become the norm,” he added. The Defence Minister nominee’s approach underscores the importance of preserving the military’s role as a last resort while empowering the police to maintain law and order.
