Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government will begin the process of procuring four new helicopters for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as part of a major retooling and modernisation programme starting in 2026.

Presenting the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr Forson said the move is part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Air Force and strengthen the nation’s overall defence readiness.

“Mr Speaker, the Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning 2026, the Government of Ghana will begin the procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range aircraft."

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

The Minister noted that the broader retooling plan would improve the operational effectiveness of all three branches of the Armed Forces, that is; the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to respond better to emerging security challenges.

“The Government of Ghana is embarking on a comprehensive retooling and modernisation programme to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Ghana Armed Forces beginning 2026.

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

Dr Forson also paid tribute to the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this year, 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 revealed that the government had disbursed US$40 million out of a US$80 million supplier credit agreement signed with ELBIT Systems Land Ltd in 2020 for the procurement of 19 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). However, he noted that no equipment had yet been delivered.

“Despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC,” he said, adding that the government has taken steps to renegotiate the agreement to prevent financial loss to the state.

Turning to the Ghana Navy, Dr Forson acknowledged ongoing challenges, including an ageing fleet and uncompleted operating bases.

He announced that the government will acquire two 72-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), each equipped with helipads and combat systems, to strengthen maritime security 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 said.