Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament, the President revealed plans to establish two new military barracks in Ejumako and Dambai, aimed at enhancing the state’s security presence and improving response to emerging security challenges.

He further outlined major retooling initiatives for the Ghana Air Force, stating:
“Agreements have been signed for the procurement and delivery of four brand-new Eurocopter helicopters and one jet to replace aging fleets and modernize our air combat and surveillance capabilities.”

President Mahama explained that the Ghana Armed Forces is also undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment programme for previously grounded aircraft, involving the replacement of critical components to restore operational readiness and maximize fleet availability.

To improve mobility and boost morale, 15 new vehicles have been commissioned for the Armed Forces as part of a broader logistics and retooling initiative.

Additional acquisitions, including two offshore patrol vessels, armored personnel carriers, protective gear, ammunition, tactical vehicles, drones, and advanced communication systems, are also being pursued to strengthen operational capacity across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

On human resource development, the President announced a recruitment expansion programme to increase the Armed Forces’ strength by 12,000 personnel over four years. Recruitment processes have been decentralized, allowing selected recruits to report from regional capitals directly to training institutions, marking a shift from the previous centralized system.

In a solemn note, President Mahama expressed condolences to the families of six young girls who died during a stampede at the Elwak Stadium, saying, “May their memory be blessed, and may their souls rest in perfect peace.”

Addressing military welfare, he disclosed plans to resolve gratuity arrears under Constitutional Instrument 129, noting that over GH₵1 billion is owed to about 3,000 personnel due to budgetary gaps over the past four years.

“As part of our commitment to fairness, the government will soon commence payment of gratuity arrears under CI 129,” he stated, adding that a structured implementation plan has been agreed upon between the military high command, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Defence to ensure affected personnel receive their entitlements.

The President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening national security architecture while improving the welfare of Ghana’s defence personnel.

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