The Ghana Armed Forces' Northern Command has issued a stern warning to its personnel against engaging in misconduct, including inappropriate social media activities, extortion, and drug abuse. Brigadier General Franklyn Worlanyo Agbebo, the General Officer Commanding, emphasized that such behavior could lead to disciplinary proceedings and even dismissal. He made these remarks at the 10 Mechanised Battalion Barracks on October 28, 2026.
Brigadier General Agbebo expressed concern about soldiers using platforms like TikTok to share inappropriate videos while wearing military uniforms. He warned that action would soon be taken against personnel found culpable, indicating that some soldiers would be tried and punished. The GOC also cautioned soldiers against using their positions to interfere in land disputes, recover debts, or settle personal disagreements, particularly when such activities involve intimidating civilians.
The GOC advised personnel with personal grievances to seek assistance from the police and other appropriate civil authorities rather than resorting to force or exploiting their military status. He emphasized that soldiers should uphold the dignity of the military uniform, noting that individual personnel's actions could undermine the reputation of the entire Ghana Armed Forces. Brigadier General Agbebo further condemned extortion and impersonation, warning of serious consequences for those who unlawfully demand or collect money from civilians.
Brigadier General Agbebo also highlighted the dangers of drug and substance abuse within the military, stressing that impaired judgment could pose serious risks in a profession that involves handling weapons and live ammunition. He emphasized that the command would not tolerate substance abuse that compromises the safety and operational effectiveness of personnel. The GOC urged officers and soldiers to maintain high standards of behavior and conduct.
The warning was delivered during the launch of "Memoirs of an Infantry Officer, Volume 1," authored by Lieutenant Colonel James Bampoe Palmer, the Commanding Officer of the 10 Mechanised Battalion. The book chronicles his military career, including international peacekeeping deployments and leadership assignments in several countries. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer hopes that the publication will preserve professional experiences and lessons that could guide future generations of military personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Palmer's memoir captures not only his accomplishments but also the challenges, mistakes, and opportunities that shaped his growth as an infantry officer. He explained that the book documents his service in various countries, including Liberia, where he worked as a battalion adviser from December 2022 to May 2025. The publication is expected to be useful to young officers, aspiring military leaders, instructors, researchers, and members of the public.
The Ghana Armed Forces' Northern Command is taking steps to address misconduct and maintain discipline within its ranks. With the launch of Lieutenant Colonel Palmer's book, the command is also promoting the sharing of experiences and lessons learned. Three key points emerge from the warning: soldiers risk dismissal for misconduct, including social media abuse and extortion; the command will initiate disciplinary proceedings against those found culpable; and personnel are urged to uphold the dignity of the military uniform.
Key points
- Soldiers risk dismissal for misconduct, including social media abuse and extortion.
- The command will initiate disciplinary proceedings against those found culpable.
- Personnel are urged to uphold the dignity of the military uniform.
