Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has introduced that the federal government will start the method of buying 4 new helicopters for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as a part of a significant retooling and modernisation programme beginning in 2026.

Presenting the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr Forson stated the transfer is a part of efforts to support the operational capability of the Ghana Air Force and toughen the country’s total defence readiness.

“Mr Speaker, the Ghana Air Force can be retooled. Beginning 2026, the Government of Ghana will start the procurement processes for the purchase of 4 trendy helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range airplane.”

“These aircraft are expected to be delivered in four years’ time, if the procurement processes are completed in 2026,” he added.

The Minister famous that the wider retooling software solutions would reinforce the operational effectiveness of all 3 branches of the Armed Forces, this is; the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to reply higher to rising safety demanding situations.

“The Government of Ghana is embarking on a complete retooling and modernisation programme to toughen the operational effectiveness of the Ghana Armed Forces starting 2026.

“This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to enhance defence readiness in response to evolving security challenges.”

Dr Forson additionally paid tribute to the overdue Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who died in a helicopter crash previous this 12 months, describing him as “a fallen hero and the brain behind the strategy to retool the Ghana Armed Forces.”

Addressing the state of the Ghana Army, Dr Forson printed that the federal government had dispensed US$40 million out of a US$80 million provider credit score settlement signed with ELBIT Systems Land Ltd in 2020 for the procurement of nineteen Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). However, he famous that no apparatus had but been delivered.

“Despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC,” he stated, including that the federal government has taken steps to renegotiate the settlement to forestall monetary loss to the state.

Turning to the Ghana Navy, Dr Forson stated ongoing demanding situations, together with an aging fleet and uncompleted running bases.

He introduced that the federal government will achieve two 72-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), every provided with helipads and battle techniques, to toughen maritime safety operations.

“These vessels will enable the Navy to conduct long-endurance patrols, safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone, prevent maritime crimes, and protect critical offshore infrastructure,” he stated.

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