As part of it reset agenda, the John Mahama government has with immediate effect withdrawn all Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel, serving as bodyguards to civilians and all others who hitherto to enjoy such protection.
The decision follows public concerns about how soldiers were being used and dispatched to individuals and groups and even foreign nationals for various reasons.
They argued the act was gradually becoming a norm and disturbing considering the fact that personnel are trained for external security of Ghana and not internal which is the responsibility of the Police.
A recent video of a Ghanaian soldier serving as a bodyguard to a foreigner and holding her bag sparked outrage on social media with many calling on the government to nip the situation in the bud, before it is blown out of proportion.
Minister for Defence Edward Kofi Omane Boamah who has responded to the call disclosed that these personnel have been recalled to their bases, indicating the decision is aimed putting an end to the misuse of personnel.
The decision affects public officials, former ministers, business owners and others who by law are not entitled to it, the minister said in a post on Facebook.
Barely two weeks ago, there were also reports that officers designated at the residence of the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa, have also withdrawn.
The news report which was confirmed by the Minister for the Interior Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and his counterpart, the Defence Minister came years after the personnel were dispatched to the home of the chairperson.
It was the first time an EC boss was accorded that privilege as in the past none of the even had police protection.
Mrs Mensa who was also walked with soldiers, sometimes holding her bag, was accorded the gesture by the previous Akufo-Addo government.
The attention of the public was first drawn during the 2020 election petition at the Supreme Court where she was seen with military escorts anytime, she appeared in court for hearing.
While this was done for her for safety, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin who in the scheme of things is above the EC boss, had his military escort withdrawn and given police.
Minister for Defence then, Dominic Nitiwul justified the decision to withdraw the Speaker’s military but until this latest directive, he had soldiers manning his house. The decision therefore affects him and others who enjoyed this privilege.
By Gifty Boateng