By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has announced major welfare and capacity-building interventions for the Ghana Armed Forces, including a large-scale housing project, retooling of the services, vehicle donations and a review of soldiers’ salaries.
This forms part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening national security and improving the living standards of personnel.
The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made the announcement at the end-of-year West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASSA) 2025, organised by the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp in Accra.
He said the government had prioritised accommodation for service personnel, describing the current housing deficit of about 14,000 units as a critical welfare challenge.
To address the situation, President Mahama said Government was supporting a partnership between the Defence Industrial Holding Company and FT Global to construct 10,000 housing units over the next five years, with the first phase of 2,000 units underway.
He said the housing initiative, together with the Barracks Regeneration Programme, was aimed at improving living conditions for officers, soldiers and their families.
On logistics, the President announced the commissioning of pickup trucks, buses and Land Cruisers to enhance operational mobility, marking the first phase of a broader retooling programme.
Subsequent phases would include the acquisition of armoured personnel carriers, strategic drones, advanced communication systems, offshore patrol vessels for the Navy and new helicopters for the Air Force.
President Mahama also announced plans to establish a cyber and electronic warfare centre at the Tamale Air Force Base to strengthen national defence capabilities.
On personnel welfare, he said new salary scales for soldiers would take effect in March 2026, with arrears for January and February to be paid in the same month.
He further directed the Ministry of Finance to begin clearing outstanding retirement and gratui
129, which had exceeded one billion Ghana cedis.
“These reforms underscore our commitment to ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately resourced, well-trained and motivated to meet current and future security challenges,” the President said.
The Acting Minister for Defence and Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said the Government had placed the welfare of military personnel at the centre of its defence policy.
He said attention was being given to accommodation, healthcare, training, career progression and the concerns of retirees through ongoing engagements.
Dr Forson said the concerns of retirees, including personnel from the 1995 and 1996 year groups, were receiving serious government attention through constructive engagements aimed at reaching fair and sustainable solutions.
“The Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic policy guidance to keep the Ghana Armed Forces responsive, modern and operationally ready in line with emerging security challenges,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, expressed appreciation to government for its sustained support and highlighted internal reforms, including self-help and income-generating initiatives and progress on the barracks regeneration programme.
The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, discipline and the maintenance of peace and security nationwide.
The CDS also announced progress on the barracks regeneration strategy, which would see parts of Burma Camp redeveloped into high-rise housing to free up land and improve accommodation.
He recognised outstanding units and personnel, including the Army Signal Training School for producing a locally developed tactical drone that had supported recent operations, as well as personnel who distinguished themselves in humanitarian and sporting activities.
The CDS said the Armed Forces remained committed to maintaining peace and security across the country and would continue to uphold professionalism, discipline and loyalty in the service of Ghana.
The WASA 2025 celebration brought together officers, soldiers, defence civilian staff and invited guests to reflect on the year’s activities and renew their commitment to safeguarding national stability.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe