By Kafui Dey
On the 64th anniversary of Ghana’s Republican status, Hon. Francis Poku delivered an insightful lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. The former Minister for National Security, whose career spans multiple political and military regimes, provided a critical analysis of Ghana’s democratic trajectory and the vital role of the military within it.
A Historical Perspective
Hon. Francis Poku began by reflecting on his extensive career, which started in 1967 with the Special Branch of the Ghana Police Service. He recounted his experiences under seven different political and military regimes, including the National Liberation Council, the National Redemption Council, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Poku’s insights are deeply rooted in his firsthand experiences with Ghana’s evolving political landscape.
“We predicted the 1979 coup three years before it happened,” he stated. “Our advice was not taken, and the coup marked the beginning of an anocratic era in Ghana. If we do not change the face of democracy by 2025, we will be writing a new history, one fraught with instability.”
The Courts of Influence
Hon. Francis Poku emphasized the importance of three courts: the court of law, the court of public opinion, and the court of God. He highlighted that during his presidential briefings, he always included summaries from the court of public opinion. “The face of democracy must change,” he insisted, “and all political parties must genuinely believe in democracy. There is no room for hatred.”
Constitutional Fidelity
A significant portion of Hon. Poku’s lecture focused on the Ghanaian Constitution. He praised the framers for invoking God in the preamble, which he believes unites the nation. “The Constitution confers sovereignty on the people, and all appointees, including the military, are called to serve these people,” he said. Poku argued that Ghana has not been entirely honest with its Constitution and stressed the need to respect democratic governance structures and historical antecedents.
The Military’s Role in Democratic Governance
Drawing from his experience, Hon. Poku discussed the critical role of the military in ensuring democratic transitions. “When I joined the cabinet during the Kufuor regime, I brought the military with me. People were surprised, but their presence ensured a smooth transition,” he recalled. He warned against the “conspiracy of silence” and stressed that loyalty to the nation must be paramount.
He highlighted key constitutional provisions related to the military, particularly Articles 57(1), 87(d), and 210(3), emphasizing that simply being safe is not enough; dignity for citizens must also be ensured. He reflected on the 1979 coup and how he managed Accra’s security, illustrating the military’s evolution into a primarily public service institution deriving its power from the Constitution.
Addressing Security Threats
Hon. Francis Poku identified several high-alert security issues, including internal conflict, violent extremism, maritime security, corruption, youth unemployment, sanitation, and the management of the national economy. He underscored the need for inter-agency cooperation to address these threats and expressed concern over the instability in the West African subregion, citing ineffective ECOWAS interventions and the coups in Mali, Guinea, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The Case for Democratic Control
Reflecting on Ghana’s history, Poku recounted the military coups of 1966, 1972, 1979, and 1981, and their impact on governance. “Control of the military is crucial,” he asserted. “It is a collective responsibility with significant security implications.” He criticized all political parties for failing to provide adequate oversight and called for effective civil-military relationships.
Positive Contributions of the Military
Poku acknowledged the positive roles the military can play in national development, including maintaining peace and security, contributing to socio-economic development, and leveraging their technical capabilities. He highlighted the work of Field Engineers and the fight against organized crime as examples of the military’s constructive engagement.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In concluding his lecture, Poku urged the government not to take anything for granted and to uphold the constitutional safeguards defining the military’s role. He made several recommendations, including:
- Adequate funding for the military.
- Establishing model industries to absorb unemployed youth.
- Investing in agriculture and infrastructure development.
Hon. Francis Poku’s reflections provided a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between democratic governance and military control, emphasizing the need for honesty, cooperation, and forward-thinking policies to ensure Ghana’s long-term stability and development.
