GENDER AND THE GHANA ARMED FORCES: AN EXAMINATION OF WOMEN'S INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Abstract

In the last two decades, armed forces worldwide have witnessed increased gender integration with women agitating for wider roles in national defence. This has generated debate in many countries regarding its impact on military operational effectiveness and national security. Beginning from the] 990s, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) experienced a marked increase in women joining its ranks, bringing to the fore the debate on their relevance and impact on military operations. This study investigated the integration of women in the GAF and its perceived impact on operational effectiveness. It adopted a simple survey method and collected data via review of relevant literature, questionnaire administration and interviews. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The main findings of the study are that: Women were perceived to have a negative effect on operational effectiveness in the GAF. Many respondents were of the view that women were not physically and emotionally equipped to be employed on military ventures, particularly those related to combat. Respondents were however positive that with time and given more training, women could perform in combat related tasks as it pertain in some countries currently. The research also revealed that many soldiers favoured women serving on Internal Security and Peacekeeping operations in spite of apprehensions regarding their effectiveness. :.. The findings present good prospects for widening women's roles and contribution towards national security. The thesis notes that in spite of resistance, women's roles in the GAF will continue to expand and suggests a well thought-out plan for a gradual integration. The thesis recommends policy, institutional and attitudinal changes that will facilitate smooth integration and make women's roles more relevant to contemporary national/international security and developmental needs. The immediate recommendation was the setting up of a Gender Desk by the Ghana Armed Forces to facilitate a measured and gradual integration of women into its fold.