Finance Minister and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has praised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their dedication and resilience.

According to him, their unwavering commitment has enabled Ghana to remain strong and united despite complex internal and external security challenges.

He made the remarks on Friday, January 23, during the Ghana Armed Forces’ end-of-year West African Social Activity (WASSA) held at the forecourt of the Public Relations Department of the GAF at Burma Camp.

“Through their dedication and resilience, our country continues to stand strong and united in the face of both internal and external challenges,” he said.

Dr. Forson assured officers and men of the Armed Forces, as well as the general public, of the government’s commitment to strengthening national defence.

He said the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic policy direction to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain responsive, modern and operationally ready.

According to him, the ministry will also focus on strengthening institutional capacity and aligning defence priorities with emerging security threats within Ghana and the wider subregion.

He stressed that the welfare of personnel remains a top priority for the administration of President John Mahama, pledging continued efforts to improve the living and working conditions of officers and men of the Armed Forces.

“The well-being of our men and women in uniform is of paramount importance to this administration,” Dr. Forson stated.

“Government has therefore placed significant emphasis on addressing issues related to accommodation, healthcare, training, career progression and general welfare.”

He added that these interventions are expected to boost morale, enhance professionalism and improve operational effectiveness across the Ghana Armed Forces.

Beyond serving personnel, Dr Forson said the government recognises that welfare obligations also extend to retired officers and veterans who dedicated their productive years to national service.

“Government recognises that welfare extends beyond serving personnel to retirees and veterans who dedicated the prime of their lives to the service of our dear nation,” he noted.

“In this regard, the concerns of the 1995 and 1996 year groups, as well as over-age retirees, are receiving serious government attention through constructive engagement aimed at fair, compassionate and sustainable solutions.”