As part of efforts to retool Ghana’s security agencies, Finance Minister Ato Forson has announced that the government will commence the procurement of four helicopters and two aircraft for the Ghana Air Force beginning in 2026.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Mr. Forson stated that the aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years, contingent on the timely completion of procurement processes.
He explained that the initiative aims to modernize the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and address operational challenges such as an ageing fleet and high maintenance demands, which have hindered readiness and efficiency.
“The Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning in 2026, the Government of Ghana will initiate procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft. These are expected to be delivered within four years, provided the procurement is finalized in 2026,” he said.
Mr. Forson also revealed that plans are underway to acquire two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Ghana Navy to enhance maritime security.
“In 2026, the government will procure two 72-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels equipped with helipads and combat systems. These vessels will enable the Navy to conduct long-endurance patrols, safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prevent maritime crimes, protect critical offshore infrastructure, and support bunkering and oil field security operations,” he noted.
The Finance Minister credited the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who tragically died in a helicopter crash, as the architect of the broader strategy to retool the Ghana Armed Forces. He emphasized that the initiative, set to begin in 2026, is part of a broader effort to enhance national defense readiness in the face of evolving security threats.
In addition, Mr. Forson disclosed that the government is taking steps to renegotiate a US$80 million agreement signed on August 13, 2020, with Messrs. ELBIT Systems Land Ltd. The deal was for the procurement of 19 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and related defense systems.
“Despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC. To prevent financial loss to the state, the government is renegotiating the agreement, which will be re-submitted to Parliament for consideration,” he stated.
