The Government has unveiled an ambitious retooling and modernisation programme for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) starting in 2026, including the acquisition of four modern helicopters, two aircraft, and two 72-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Navy.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the initiative during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, describing it as a comprehensive upgrade across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance operational effectiveness amid evolving security challenges.
“Mr. Speaker, the Government of Ghana is embarking on a comprehensive retooling and modernization programme to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) beginning 2026,” Dr Ato Forson said.
The Minister paid tribute to the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, whom he described as “a fallen hero of the tragic helicopter crash and the brain behind the strategy to retool the Ghana Armed Forces.”
For the Ghana Army, the government is renegotiating a US$80 million supplier’s credit agreement signed in August 2020 with Israel’s ELBIT Systems Land Ltd for 19 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
He revealed that, despite a US$40 million advance payment, no APCs have been delivered.
Dr Ato Forson assured Parliament that steps have been taken to amend the agreement to prevent financial loss, with the revised deal to be re-presented for approval.
The Ghana Navy on the other hand, will receive two 72-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels equipped with helipads and advanced combat systems in 2026.
The vessels, the minister said will enhance long-endurance patrols, protect Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combat piracy, secure oil and gas installations, and support search and rescue operations.
The acquisition also addresses challenges with an ageing fleet and the delayed completion of the Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo in the Western Region.
The Ghana Air Force will commence procurement in 2026 for four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft.
Deliveries according to the minister are expected within four years upon completion of procurement processes.
The new assets he noted will bolster aerial surveillance, troop transport, disaster response, medical evacuations, and maritime patrol support.
Dr Ato Forson emphasised that the investments will significantly improve defence readiness, logistics, and infrastructure across all three services.