The story of Ghana since independence mirrors the triumphs and tribulations of a continent yearning for self-determination, unity, and prosperity. Ghanaians have long sought the stability, democracy, and socio-economic progress that Kwame Nkrumah envisioned—a future in which the nation would flourish without the shackles of colonialism or the internal strife that has plagued its progress. Yet, originally entrusted to defend this vision, the Ghanaian Armed Forces have repeatedly undermined it, taking up arms not in defence of Ghana’s sovereignty, but in opposition to the people they swore to protect. Since 1966, the Army has played a recurring role in dismantling civilian governance, setting back the nation’s development and perpetuating cycles of political instability.
As we stand at a crossroads, the time has come to ask a fundamental question: Is it possible to repurpose the Army to serve the nation’s true needs? Can the Ghanaian military be redirected toward combating hunger, poverty, and underdevelopment rather than waging wars on its people? In this article, we explore the army’s fraught history, its failure to fulfil a constructive role, and the case for reorienting its mission to address the socio-economic challenges that demand immediate action.
Ghana’s Army and the Cycles of Political Disruption
Upon gaining independence in 1957, Ghana stood as a beacon of hope for the rest of Africa. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana was political freedom and true economic sovereignty—a Ghana that could stand on its own without dependence on foreign powers. But, in a tragic turn, this vision was short-lived. In 1966, a coup d’état, orchestrated by the Ghanaian Armed Forces and the police, toppled Nkrumah’s government, initiating an era of instability that would come to define Ghanaian politics for decades.
This first coup set a dangerous precedent. The years that followed saw a series of successful and attempted coups, as various military factions seized power under the banner of “correcting civilian misrule” or “restoring national order.” Each intervention purported to ‘save’ Ghana from corruption or economic mismanagement, yet with each regime change, the promises of stability and progress were left unfulfilled, often leaving the nation worse off than before.
Impact of Military Interventions on National Development
Each coup had far-reaching consequences on Ghana’s development trajectory. Take, for instance, the coup in 1972 that ousted Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia’s administration. The military, under Colonel Ignatius Acheampong, came into power promising economic recovery, only to preside over an era marked by corruption and mismanagement. Projects initiated by civilian administrations were either stalled or abandoned and the economy, already fragile, deteriorated further. This pattern of interrupted governance became a recurring theme, with successive military leaders promising reform while often entrenching their power, stifling dissent, and stalling Ghana’s progress.
In addition to disrupting economic programmes, these interventions fractured the continuity necessary for sustainable development policies. Each new military government dismantled the plans of its predecessor, creating a void of long-term planning and accountability. Hospitals, infrastructure projects, agricultural schemes, and education initiatives became casualties of these shifts, leaving Ghana with a legacy of underinvestment in critical sectors.
The Army Against Its People: A Legacy of Internal Oppression
Perhaps the most disheartening outcome of these repeated interventions has been the Ghanaian Army’s shift from protector to oppressor. Rather than defending Ghana from external threats, the Army has often turned its might inward, using force to silence dissent, stifle political opposition, and intimidate citizens. During military rule, Ghanaians witnessed numerous instances where soldiers were deployed not to protect, but to control, often leading to the violation of civil liberties and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.
The psychological toll of viewing the Army as an instrument of fear rather than protection has had lasting impacts. Instead of fostering pride, the presence of the military in public life has often invoked memories of repression. Generations of Ghanaians have grown up associating the Army with a lack of accountability, corruption, and self-serving political manoeuvring.
Re-envisioning the Army: A Call to Repurpose for National Good
Today, Ghana stands at a juncture where its real enemies are not external forces, but internal challenges: poverty, hunger, and a lack of infrastructure to support sustained economic growth. Rather than being mobilised for political intervention, the Ghanaian Army could serve as a transformative force for social and economic development. It’s time to repurpose the Army’s mission to wage a “war on hunger”—to reassign soldiers to agricultural development, infrastructure projects, and community building, effectively utilising their numbers, skills, and resources to combat Ghana’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
The Vision for a Repurposed Army
This new role could see the majority of military personnel redirected toward community-based initiatives focused on food security and poverty alleviation. Soldiers trained in logistics, engineering, and resource management could support agricultural projects, assist in building sustainable infrastructure, and contribute to disaster relief and rural development. Instead of investing in military hardware, resources could be channelled toward tractors, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, empowering the military to become a force for growth rather than disruption.
There is precedent for this type of transformation. Countries such as China, Cuba, and South Korea have historically engaged their military in nation-building efforts. For instance, in the early years of China’s development, the People’s Liberation Army was heavily involved in agricultural and infrastructure projects, providing labour and resources to develop the country’s rural areas. Ghana could take inspiration from such examples, adapting this model to fit its unique needs.
A Specialised Core for Security and Logistics
This reimagining of Ghana’s Armed Forces does not mean a total abandonment of its defensive role. A lean, specialised force should be maintained to ensure national security, manage border protection, and provide logistical support for peacekeeping missions in West Africa. This core unit would be responsible for handling essential defence duties and safeguarding Ghana’s sovereignty without engaging in political intervention.
This two-tiered approach—a lean core for defence and a broader base focused on development—would allow the Army to fulfil its fundamental duty to the nation without infringing upon the democratic process. The result would be an Army that is respected and valued by the Ghanaian people, not as a political force, but as a trusted partner in development.
Conclusion: A Call for Transformation and Accountability
Ghana’s Army has, over the years, failed in its commitment to the people by prioritising political control over national growth. The coups, repression, and political opportunism have done monumental harm, casting a shadow over the Army’s legacy and eroding the public’s trust. However, the Army’s story does not need to end here. With bold reforms, it can be repurposed as a force for positive change, a new ally in the fight against hunger and poverty.
Repurposing the Ghanaian Army to serve the country’s socio-economic needs would mark a revolutionary step forward, transforming it into a source of national pride and a pillar of societal support. No longer would it be seen as a weapon against its people, but as a shield protecting the most vulnerable from poverty and deprivation. Let this be the legacy of the Ghanaian Armed Forces: a powerful institution dedicated not to warfare, but to the welfare of its people, leading Ghana toward a future of prosperity, resilience, and unity.