Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, has outlined a 15-point vision for retooling the Ghana Armed Forces as part of efforts to enhance its capabilities and readiness.
Among the 15 points of vision is a one-billion-dollar investment to modernise Ghana Armed Forces over three and a half years.
Others are advanced tactical vehicles, body armour, and digital communication systems for the Army and maritime enhancement.
Dr Omane Boamah stated this when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series for the first half of the year at the Presidency in Accra.
The Government Accountability Series is being organised by the Presidency Communications Bureau as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
The rest of the three-and-a-half-year vision for retooling the Ghana Armed Forces includes new air assets, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), for the Ghana Air Force to operate effectively and the construction of 10,000 housing units across all garrisons.
Others are enlistment and recruitment to increase the manpower strength of the Ghana Armed Forces by 12,000 over the next three and a half years and strengthening bilateral and multilateral alliances.
The rest are enhancing local production through Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DHOC) and aligning defense strategy with national development goals.
Regarding security challenges, he cited threats such as chieftaincy, illegal mining (galamsey), violent extremism with foresight and readiness, and preparing for floods, droughts, and food security.
The Minister mentioned promoting diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces, ensuring the well-being of veterans through the Mahama Cares, building more health facilities, and additional funding from DHOC.
On National Service, Dr Omane Boamah said they would be training 10,000 youth in disaster preparedness and patriotism.
Touching on national unity and progress, Dr Omane Boamah emphasised collective responsibility and unity for Ghana’s progress.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new era, the Mahama Second Coming, and resetting Ghana, let us remember that our strength lies in not just our arms, but in our unity, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to Ghana’s progress,” the Minister said.
“Today, we have outlined a vision for a modernised, industrialised, and inclusive defense sector that serves as a beacon of hope and stability in our region,” Dr Omane Boamah stated.
“Let us march forward together with Ghana Armed Forces as our guardians of peace and architects of prosperity.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to march forward together with the Ghana Armed Forces as their guardians of peace and architects of prosperity.
He further appealed to Ghanaians to uphold the sacred covenant to protect every Ghanaian and propel their nation towards a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.
He said Ghanaians must recognise that defence went beyond the booths, barracks, and borders, because it affected everything.
“Security is the seabed of progress. Let our guiding principles be one Ghana, one destiny.”
The Minister reiterated that modernised, expanded, responsive and happier Military was the goal.
He underscored that Ghana Armed Forces service was not only a duty, stating that it was a national covenant.
