Security lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Dr Victor Doke, has urged Defence Minister-designate Kenneth Gilbert Adjei to make the welfare of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces his foremost priority if approved by Parliament.

Dr Doke made the remarks following President John Dramani Mahama's decision to reassign Mr Adjei from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to the Ministry of Defence.

The appointment comes nearly a year after the death of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who was among those killed in a military helicopter crash.

President Mahama has submitted Mr Adjei's nomination to Parliament through the Speaker for prior approval, in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking on the responsibilities awaiting the minister-designate, Dr Doke said addressing the welfare of military personnel should be at the centre of his agenda.

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"The welfare generally of the armed forces is a particular issue, is a top priority as at now, and housing, remuneration, promotions, the gender issues are top notch."

According to him, improving accommodation, remuneration, career progression and addressing gender-related concerns within the Armed Forces will be critical to strengthening morale and operational effectiveness.

Dr Doke also said the minister-designate faces a significant task in succeeding his predecessor and will need to draw on the experience of both the military leadership and former officials to succeed.

"It's one of the issues which Honourable Gilbert would have to tackle as much as possible. He has a big, big, big position now, big shoes to fill. He needs to court all the cooperation and collaboration from the military hierarchy, past leaders of that specific agency and then get the ideas, the knowledge to be able to roll out the initiatives that he wants and then the objectives of the President for the Ghana Armed Forces."

He expressed confidence that the military's leadership would support the incoming minister, regardless of who occupies the position, provided there is mutual respect and effective engagement.

"The military hierarchy as I know is ready and willing to work with whoever has the nod. It's how you relate to them, and give them that opportunity to perform their mandate per the Constitution."