Government to acquire 2 offshore patrol vessels, 4 helicopters and 19 armoured carriers to ...

17th Nov 2025 | Source: Graphic Online

The government has announced a defence modernisation programme to re-equip the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), including new aircraft, naval vessels and armoured vehicles to strengthen national security operations.

Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the modernisation programme will cover the Army, Navy and Air Force and will begin in 2026.

Dr Ato Forson said that the government had renegotiated a US$80 million supplier credit agreement with Elbit Systems Land Ltd of Israel for 19 armoured personnel carriers after no vehicles were delivered despite US$40 million already paid.

He said the revised deal would be resubmitted to Parliament for approval.

The Ghana Navy will receive two 72-metre offshore patrol vessels with helipads and modern combat systems to protect oil and gas installations, improve maritime security and support counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Ghana Air Force is set to acquire four helicopters, one long-range aircraft and one medium-range aircraft to strengthen air mobility, surveillance and emergency response capabilities. Deliveries are expected within four years.

Dr Forson said the programme is part of a national security strategy to ensure the GAF are well-equipped, trained and ready to respond to modern security challenges.

He also acknowledged the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah for his role in developing the strategy to modernise the armed forces.