The Ministry of Defence has sworn in a nine-member Ministerial Advisory Board at a ceremony held at Burma Camp in Accra. 

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

Dr Forson said the establishment of Ministerial Advisory Boards was mandated by the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDC Law 327), noting that Section 39 required all ministries to constitute such boards to enhance collaboration with stakeholders. 

He said the law required the selection of three representatives from the public and private sectors, in addition to institutional members comprising the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Chief Director. 

Dr Forson said the Board was tasked to promote continuous interaction between the Ministry and service users, and to advise on policy direction, planning objectives, and operational strategies, in accordance with Section 40 of the Act. 

He reminded members that the Board was required to meet at least once every quarter, with minutes submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, as stipulated under Section 41. 

Dr Forson underscored the Ministry’s role in safeguarding national security and territorial integrity and noted the constitutional responsibility of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. 

Members were urged to support the Ministry’s mandate with diligence and integrity. 

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

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