President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to adequately resource, train, and equip the Armed Forces to address both current and emerging security challenges.
The President made this declaration during the 2025 West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASSA) held at the forecourt of the Department of Public Relations on Friday, January 23, 2026. He characterized WASSA as a representation of unity, professionalism, and esprit de corps. Furthermore, he praised Officers, Soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff for their discipline and sacrifices in maintaining national peace.
In outlining significant security measures, President Mahama announced the completion of two forward operating bases in the northern sector, with budgetary allocations made to finalize four additional facilities by the end of the year. He clarified that these bases would bolster border security, enhance rapid response capabilities, and improve operational readiness. Additionally, he revealed plans to create two new military units in the Oti and Central Regions, along with an ongoing recruitment initiative aimed at increasing the Armed Forces’ personnel by 12,000 over the next four years.
As part of a comprehensive modernization initiative, the President stated that the government is retooling all three branches of the Armed Forces. He announced the commissioning of a fleet of pick-up trucks, buses, and land cruisers to enhance mobility, initiated the construction of accommodation and other facilities, and disclosed plans to acquire armoured personnel carriers, strategic drones, and advanced communication systems. This includes the establishment of a modern cyber and electronic warfare center at the Tamale Air Force Base. Additional acquisitions will encompass offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy, four new Eurocopter helicopters, an executive jet for the Air Force, and other essential logistics to strengthen national defense capabilities.
Addressing the nation’s security landscape, the President remarked that Ghana maintains a state of relative tranquility, notwithstanding sporadic tensions in regions such as Bawku, Alavanyo, Nkonya, Nkwanta, and Nanton. He attributed the existing peace to the professionalism and alertness of the Armed Forces engaged in operations like Operation Gongong and Operation Maida Buuri. Furthermore, he assured ongoing cooperation among security agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to strengthen peace across the country.
Regarding international peacekeeping efforts, the President recognized the challenges posed by global financial and logistical limitations on United Nations missions, which have led to reductions in Ghanaian deployments. He disclosed that 247 personnel stationed in southern Lebanon were repatriated after two months, while 217 troops designated for South Sudan were stood down following pre-deployment training, with an additional 77 expected to return later in January. He stated that the government has instructed that all affected personnel be given priority for future peacekeeping assignments as the military reassesses its strategy for a post-UN peacekeeping context, adding that the Big Push projects will incorporate the Engineer Corps of GAF to facilitate the generation of internal funds.
During the ceremony, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, praised the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of the Ghana Armed Forces for their commitment, sacrifices, and professionalism, characterizing their contributions as vital to Ghana’s ongoing peace and stability. While speaking at the WASSA, he expressed gratitude to the President for his leadership and steadfast dedication to the Armed Forces, highlighting that under his direction, the nation continues to experience peace and consistent progress.
He stated that WASSA offers a significant opportunity to honor the accomplishments of the Armed Forces and to contemplate their contributions to national security and development.
He recognized the sacrifices made by both uniformed personnel and defense civilian staff, emphasizing that Ghana remains resilient in the face of evolving security challenges due to the military’s professionalism and resilience.
He reiterated the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to providing strategic policy guidance to ensure that the Armed Forces are responsive, capable, and well-prepared to tackle emerging threats.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen William Agyapong, underscored notable advancements in military innovation and personnel welfare, commending the creativity of service members in enhancing operational capabilities.
He disclosed that the Army Signal Training School has successfully created its first major tactical drone, which boasts an operational endurance of three to four hours.
He mentioned that this drone has already been instrumental in supporting missions, contributing to numerous successes during Operation MAIDA BUURI in the Bawku enclave.
He praised the officers and personnel responsible for this achievement for their commitment and technical skill.
He also acknowledged an extraordinary act of compassion and initiative by Able Seaman Class One Akutor Precious, who completed a three-kilometer swimming challenge to raise funds for the GAF’s school for children with special needs.
The CDS remarked that her efforts garnered GHS 18,000 while also raising public awareness about the needs of children with special needs.
He further commended Lance Corporal Lartey Jerry Nii for winning the Super Lightweight bout title.
He characterized their actions as a testament to the humanitarian values and sense of responsibility that characterize members of the Armed Forces beyond their primary military duties and promoted them to their next higher ranks.
He characterized their actions as a testament to the humanitarian values and sense of responsibility that characterize members of the Armed Forces beyond their primary military duties and promoted them to their next higher ranks.
Addressing the topic of institutional development, Lt Gen Agyapong indicated that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is implementing strategies aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and enhancing the living standards of its personnel. He elaborated that the military is capitalizing on strategic alliances to engage in income-generating activities, which encompass travel and tour services, bakery operations, block production, kenkey manufacturing, poultry farming, and crop cultivation, all intended to alleviate logistical challenges. Additionally, he revealed that a Barracks Regeneration Strategy is in progress, commencing with initiatives to transform housing at Burma Camp into contemporary high-rise structures, a development anticipated to enhance accommodation while optimizing land use.
The General Headquarters 2025 End-of-Year WASSA convened the Commander-In-Chief, various Ministers, the Military High Command, and personnel to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of the Armed Forces.
