In National Security, Silence Isn’t Weakness – It’s Wisdom

This is the late Captain Kojo Tsikata—one of the most formidable security minds Africa has ever known. Until his passing, he served as a security advisor to the government of South Africa and was famously known for managing the security apparatus of the PNDC and later the NDC under the leadership of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

What made Captain Tsikata truly remarkable wasn’t just his intelligence or experience—it was his quiet strength. He was a brilliant communicator who spoke impeccable English, yet he chose his words with great care. He could have been loquacious, but he wasn’t. That silence, that restraint, was his power. Until his death, he never owned or used a mobile phone—a deliberate choice that helped him preserve discretion in an age of overcommunication.

Similarly, George H.W. Bush, before becoming President of the United States, served as Director of the CIA. Throughout his career, he maintained a calm and discreet demeanor, rarely making public statements about intelligence matters. This is no coincidence. Globally, those entrusted with national security understand one thing: silence is not a weakness—it is a strategic strength.

In an era dominated by 24/7 media, leaks, and political noise, those in charge of securing the state must cling to an age-old truth: discretion is not just a virtue—it is a tool of the trade.

The Case for Speaking Less

Talking too much can compromise operations, expose sources, and erode trust. National security is not a space for grandstanding or chasing public clout. It is a sacred duty where silence can mean safety, and restraint can hold more power than a thousand speeches.

As Robert Greene wrote in The 48 Laws of Power, “The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.” And during World War II, the U.S. Navy captured this wisdom in a timeless slogan: “Loose lips sink ships.”

Scripture offers its own version: “The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.” In national security, unguarded words don’t just embarrass—they can betray strategies, risk lives, and destabilize peace.

This message is especially important today. Officers of Ghana’s National Security have no business discussing sensitive matters on radio or TV. You work for the President. The President has a spokesperson—let the spokesperson speak. Anything concerning your work should only be heard through official channels. Media exposure by national security officers does not serve the public interest; it only exposes the strategies and decisions of government to unnecessary scrutiny and potential sabotage.

In the wise words of Hon. A.B.A. Fuseini: “A lion that frequents the market will be mistaken for a puppy.” Let our national security officers remain the lions they are—silent, focused, and fearsome when necessary.

Let me end with a reminder: talking too much, especially on air, reveals your next move. And when your opponent knows what you’re about to do, your entire operation is compromised. There’s a reason a hunter approaching his prey moves quietly—the silence is often more powerful than the bullet.

If you truly wish to support President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, do so by exercising restraint. Talk less. Act more. And never show your hand before the game begins.

By Comrade Abass Fuseini Sbaabe