The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Ghana Armed Forces’ Northern Command, Brigadier General Franklyn Worlanyo Agbebo, has warned soldiers to desist from abusing military uniforms on social media.
He also charged them to desist from extorting money from illegal miners and interfering in land disputes, threatening disciplinary action against offenders.
He says personnel who engage in acts that undermine the image and professionalism of the military will face severe sanctions, including possible dismissal from the service.
Brigadier General Agbebo gave the warning at the 10 Mechanised Battalion at Aggrey Barracks in Wa, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during a religious parade, the launch of a book and the commissioning of welfare projects.
Addressing officers and men of the battalion, the GOC expressed concern about the growing use of military uniforms in TikTok videos and other social media content that trivialises the profession.
“Don’t hide behind TikTok and be unprofessional. You will be caught,” he cautioned.
He reminded personnel that wearing the military uniform comes with responsibility and urged them to avoid conduct they would not want their commanders to know about.
The GOC also warned soldiers against using their positions to intimidate people in land disputes, stressing that such matters must be resolved through the police and other civil authorities.
He said soldiers who mobilise friends to attack people over land ownership would be held accountable, regardless of their rank or connections.
Brigadier General Agbebo further raised concerns about alleged extortion by some personnel at illegal small-scale mining sites, popularly known as galamsey, accusing them of exploiting their military identity to collect money from miners and local residents.
He warned that those found engaging in such practices would face disciplinary action, adding that the command would not tolerate misconduct.
The GOC also described drug abuse among soldiers as an emerging challenge, warning that substance abuse could compromise the judgment and alertness of personnel entrusted with weapons and live ammunition.
“If it is not prescribed for you by the medical doctor, don’t do it,” he said, urging soldiers to remain disciplined and alert, particularly given the security demands facing the Northern Command.
He called on personnel to uphold professional standards and protect the integrity of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The event also featured the launch of Memoirs of an Infantry Officer, Volume One, authored by the Commanding Officer of the 10 Mechanised Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James Bampoe Palmer.
The author said the book captures lessons from his military career, including international peacekeeping missions, leadership responsibilities, mentorship and personal development.
“Experience becomes more valuable when it is documented and shared,” Lieutenant Colonel Palmer said, explaining that the memoir seeks to preserve lessons from his professional journey for future generations.
The book recounts his experiences in Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, as well as his service as a battalion adviser in Liberia from December 2022 to May 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Palmer said the memoir was written to guide young officers, inspire soldiers aspiring to leadership and encourage military professionals to embrace discipline, integrity and continuous learning.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, noting that behind every deployment and demanding appointment are family members whose support contributes to the success of service personnel.
The command again commissioned some projects including the “Hippo’s Natural Mineral Water,” Hippos dance band, and the Matambo Village, all aimed at improving conditions for personnel of the 10 Mechanised Battalion.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
