“Our relationship must rest on trust, mutual respect, shared sense of purpose” — Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai

The Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, has underscored the importance of deepening collaboration between the military and the media, stressing that their partnership must be anchored on trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing members of the Defence Ministry Press Corps at a one-day workshop held at the Command Mess, Burma Camp, in Accra.

He described the engagement as timely and relevant, noting that in today’s complex digital information environment, strategic communication plays a critical role in national security.

He emphasized that the media remains a powerful force in shaping public perception, influencing national discourse, and supporting security operations.

“A well-informed citizenry is an essential pillar of national security,” he stated, adding that the relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and the Defence Press Corps must remain collaborative and principled.

The Chief of Staff noted that by the nature of its mandate, the Armed Forces operates at the intersection of confidentiality and accountability.

He therefore stressed the need for accuracy in reporting, cautioning that narratives surrounding military operations must be communicated in ways that safeguard operational success while protecting national interest.

According to him, workshops of this nature provide a valuable platform for open dialogue, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices between military and civilian communication professionals.

Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai commended the Defence Press Corps for its continuous engagement with the Armed Forces since its establishment in 2017.

He highlighted its role in cultivating journalists with deeper understanding of military structures, including rank systems and operational procedures.

He acknowledged that while there may occasionally be differences in perspective, the overarching goal remains the same — promoting transparency while safeguarding security.

As the Ghana Armed Forces continues to undertake internal security operations, counter-terrorism efforts, peacekeeping missions, and disaster response interventions, he stressed that effective strategic communication cannot be overstated.

On behalf of the Military High Command, led by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, AVM Mensah-Larkai reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to openness and professionalism in its engagements with the media and the general public.

He also commended the Acting Director-General of Public Relations, Captain Veronica Adu-Ahin of the Ghana Navy, and her team for organizing the workshop, describing the initiative as a reflection of the institution’s dedication to responsible media engagement.

He concluded by encouraging participants to actively contribute to discussions and leave the workshop better equipped to strengthen the partnership between the Armed Forces and the media.

“Our relationship must rest on trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose,” he reiterated.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith