Investigation Launched into Military Ammunition Diversion in Ghana
COP Abdul Osman Razak is the National Security Coordinator
The government led by President John Dramani Mahama has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the alarming and undocumented diversion of military-grade ammunition from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to the National Security Secretariat during 2024. This situation transpired under the previous administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This revelation was disclosed by Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah during the second edition of the Government Accountability Series on Monday. The incident has sparked significant concerns regarding arms control and the potential misuse of military resources by the past government.
The investigation, which is being led by National Security Coordinator COP Abdul Osman Razak, is reportedly being conducted with “uncompromising intensity.” Analysts suggest that the absence of proper documentation for the transfer of military ammunition signifies a serious breach of national security protocols.
According to a senior military officer, who requested anonymity, “Ammunition is not harmless.” This statement underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the risks associated with unregulated military stockpiles.
The Defence Minister noted that the ongoing investigation aims to clarify how thousands of rounds of military ammunition were transferred without appropriate clearance. Key areas of focus include the sources and authorizations for the transfer, breaches in the chain of custody, and the intended recipients of the ammunition.
In a firm statement, the Defence Minister remarked, “This isn’t a clerical error or an inventory oversight. This is a calculated and deeply troubling diversion of live rounds, carried out with no institutional accountability.” While the government has assured the public that internal security in Ghana remains stable, the issue of missing ammunition has created anxieties among civil society organizations and security analysts.
In response to the ongoing investigation, National Security Coordinator COP Razak affirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “This administration will not shield any individual or entity found complicit,” he declared, assuring that findings will be made public as they arise, emphasizing, “Nothing will be swept under the carpet.”
This investigation forms part of broader systemic reforms initiated under COP Razak’s leadership, aimed at restoring accountability within Ghana’s intelligence and defense logistics frameworks, eliminating clandestine operations, and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security systems.
