Government says it is working to resolve the imminent food crisis that could have affected the Ghana Armed Forces due to an outstanding debt of GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers since August 2023.

Speaking after the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong and other Service Chiefs visited the Jubilee House to render compliments to him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and President of Ghana, President Mahama stated that the Ministers for Finance and Defence are working together to settle current bills while implementing additional measures to clear the outstanding debts.

“This year, we have allocated over 6.7 billion Ghana cedis to the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces. As we turn the economy around, you can rest assured that your budgetary allocation will further increase to secure new platforms and assets to enhance your operations,” President Mahama stated.

Addressing the financial difficulties faced by the Armed Forces, the President acknowledged their debt burden of approximately GH₵3.7 billion but expressed confidence that with innovation and commitment, the Ghana Armed Forces would be modernised and expanded.

“We are already working to fix the imminent food crisis that could have affected the Ghana Armed Forces due to the GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers for the past 17 months,” he said.

President Mahama also highlighted the role of the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited in contributing to Ghana’s agricultural development. “The disciplined workforce and strategic land holdings of the Ghana Armed Forces can help enhance food security in the country,” he noted.

He also urged the military to explore innovative financing solutions to improve infrastructure and training, particularly in accommodation for troops. “I will be by your side every step of the way. We are already planning to upgrade the Asutsuare Training Camp into a first-class training facility,” he added.

The President called on the Ghana Armed Forces to take decisive action against illegal mining and continue their efforts to maintain peace in Bawku and other areas.

“I know our personnel are deployed in Bawku and other areas for internal security operations, dealing with ethnic and chieftaincy disputes. While we work on resolving these disputes through mediation, judicial intervention, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, the Armed Forces must continue to play their part in maintaining peace. I trust you to deliver,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of the new Chief of Defence Staff and other security chiefs, the President stated, “I am confident that you will all work tirelessly to ensure that our Armed Forces serve with unity, resilience, and pride. I wish the new CDS and the chiefs of the Ghana Armed Forces a successful tenure as you protect and defend our dear nation, Ghana.”