In a decisive engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military.
During a courtesy call at the Jubilee House, the Commander-in-Chief urged the top brass of the GAF, led by Major General William Agyepong, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), to discharge their duties with professionalism, dedication, and resilience.
The meeting, which underscored the government’s priority on national security, saw President Mahama assure the military leadership of his full support in ensuring that Ghana’s defense forces remain well-resourced, motivated, and strategically equipped to address both internal and external security threats.
Addressing the financial constraints currently facing the nation, President Mahama disclosed that his administration had allocated over GHS 6.7 billion to the Ministry of Defense and the Ghana Armed Forces.
While acknowledging the economic challenges, he reassured the leadership that as the country’s economic situation improves, further investments would be made to enhance operational capabilities.
“We’ll continue to work to improve the conditions of service of our men and women in the security services. As we turn the economy around, you can rest assured that your budgetary allocation will further increase to enable you to secure new and additional platforms and assets in order to enhance your operations.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He urged the military to adopt cost-effective and efficiency-enhancing measures to manage the security apparatus within the constraints of the current economic climate.
He also tasked them with exploring innovative financing models to improve infrastructure and training, particularly in addressing accommodation challenges for troops.
Strengthening Internal Security and Addressing Emerging Threats
President Mahama highlighted the critical role of the Ghana Armed Forces in safeguarding internal security, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Bawku, where ethnic and chieftaincy disputes continue to pose security risks.
While acknowledging the importance of mediation and judicial interventions in conflict resolution, he stressed that the military must remain steadfast in maintaining peace and stability.
“The Ghana Armed Forces will still have to play its part in maintaining the peace, and I trust you to deliver. I’m confident that you will work tirelessly to ensure that our armed forces serve with unity, resilience, and pride.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Additionally, he underscored the military’s role in combating illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey,’ which has become a national crisis.
He charged the leadership to intensify their efforts in collaboration with other security agencies to curb the environmental destruction and economic sabotage caused by illegal mining activities.
Addressing the Military’s Debt and Food Crisis
One of the major concerns raised during the engagement was the financial burden inherited by the military, including a staggering GHS 3.7 billion debt and an impending food supply crisis due to an outstanding GHS 275 million owed to food suppliers since August 2023.
President Mahama assured the armed forces that the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Defense are working diligently to settle these debts while implementing additional measures to ensure the sustenance of troops.
“We’re already working to fix the imminent food crisis that could have hit the Ghana Armed Forces. The government is taking immediate steps to ensure that current and outstanding debts owed to food suppliers are settled.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He further urged the military to actively contribute to agricultural development through the Defense Industries Holding Corporation (DEHOC), leveraging its disciplined workforce and strategic landholdings to enhance food security.
He expressed confidence that DEHOC would excel in various sectors, including garment and footwear manufacturing, vehicle assembly, pharmaceutical production, and agro-processing.
Upgrading Military Training Facilities and Infrastructure Development
As part of efforts to modernize the Ghana Armed Forces, President Mahama announced plans to upgrade the Asutwere Training Camp into a first-class training facility.
This initiative forms part of a broader vision to strengthen the military’s training and operational readiness, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and infrastructure to handle emerging security threats effectively.
The President also emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding and modernizing the military, despite economic challenges.
He reassured the leadership that his government was actively exploring innovative financing mechanisms to improve infrastructure, especially in providing better accommodation facilities for troops.
President Mahama called on the leadership of the military to fully support Vice President Naana Opoku-Agyemang in her role as Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council.
He stressed the importance of long-term strategic planning, operational readiness, and professionalism in tackling both emerging and existing threats.
“As members of the Armed Forces Council, I expect you to support Madam Chairperson, Vice President Naana Opoku-Agyemang, in seeing to the long-term planning, operational readiness, and professionalism in dealing with emerging and existing threats”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces reinforced his administration’s commitment to ensuring a well-resourced, professional, and resilient military.
His assurances of financial support, operational upgrades, and strategic investments signal a renewed focus on national security at a time when Ghana faces various internal and external challenges.
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