Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a comprehensive retooling and modernisation programme for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) beginning next year.
Presenting the 2026 Statement of Budget and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 13, 2025, The Minister emphasised the critical need to enhance national defence, stating that the initiative “forms part of a broader national strategy to enhance defence readiness in response to evolving security challenges.”
He confirmed that “Significant investments are being made across all three Services, the Ghana Army, Navy and Air Force, to upgrade logistics, equipment and infrastructure.”
Focus on Army Readiness and Contract Renegotiation
The minister revealed a significant challenge with a previous contract. He noted that a 2020 agreement for the procurement of nineteen Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) from Messrs. ELBIT Systems Land Ltd has stalled. “Sadly, despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC,” Dr. Forson stated.
To prevent financial loss, he announced that “the government has taken steps to renegotiate the existing agreement with the supplier, and it will be re-presented to parliament for consideration.” He affirmed that the Ghana Army “will be well positioned in 2026 to enhance operational readiness.”
Enhancing Maritime and Air Capabilities
The Navy’s capacity to protect the nation’s maritime domain, including oil and gas installations, will be boosted through the acquisition of new vessels. Dr Forson noted that the Navy faces challenges, including “an ageing fleet, limited maintenance infrastructure, and uncompleted Forward Operating Base facilities.” To address this, the government in 2026 “will acquire two (2) 72-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) equipped with helipads and combat systems.”
For the Ghana Air Force, which currently operates with an “ageing fleet and aircraft with high maintenance demands”, retooling will commence in 2026. This will involve starting the procurement processes for the “acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range aircraft.”
Dr Forson cautioned that “these aircraft are expected to be delivered in four years’ time, if the procurement processes are completed in 2026.”
