The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has strengthened its engagement with journalists, calling for closer collaboration to safeguard national security and promote responsible reporting.
At a one-day capacity-building workshop held at Burma Camp on February 25, 2026, senior military officials and members of the Defence Press Corps met to enhance mutual understanding and improve communication between the armed forces and the media.
Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie (Retired), immediate past Director General of the Defence Public Relations (DPR) Department, cautioned journalists against becoming conduits for sensitive security information that could compromise national interests. He urged the media to exercise restraint in handling leaked documents and avoid publishing material that may inadvertently aid hostile actors.
He also advised reporters to refrain from pressuring security agencies to disclose classified information and to ensure thorough verification before publication. According to him, protecting national security requires vigilance and a shared sense of responsibility.
As part of efforts to guide accurate and security-conscious reporting, Brig. Gen. Aggrey-Quarshie introduced the acronym SALUTE — Size, Activity, Location, Uniform, Time, and Equipment — as a framework to help journalists structure information in a manner useful to authorities while maintaining public awareness.
He further encouraged the media to support national security initiatives such as the “See Something, Say Something” campaign and to broaden their focus to cover issues including environmental protection, public accountability, food security, and peaceful coexistence within the sub-region.
Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of the DPR Department, emphasised the media’s critical role in shaping public perception of the military and serving as a bridge between the armed forces and citizens. She described the workshop as an opportunity to promote transparency, professionalism, and national unity.
Capt. Arhin assured journalists of the military’s commitment to their safety during operational coverage but advised caution to prevent avoidable confrontations. Some participants, however, raised concerns about instances of harassment by military personnel while carrying out their duties.
Also in attendance were Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, and Commodore Francis Ayitevi Nyarko, Director General of Human Resource, who reaffirmed the GAF’s commitment to constructive media engagement.
