Defence Minister Announces Naval Ships, Aircraft Acquisition to Bolster Military Capability

The government is advancing plans to acquire new naval ships and aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei disclosed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a briefing by the Military High Command on the state of the Armed Forces.

The briefing, led by Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong, focused on efforts to strengthen the military's capacity, improve personnel welfare, and ensure the Armed Forces remain adequately equipped to respond to the country's security needs. Adjei said plans were far advanced to acquire strategic military platforms for the three services, including naval ships and aircraft, to enhance the Forces' ability to discharge its constitutional mandate.

The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a well-resourced, adequately equipped, and motivated military capable of safeguarding Ghana's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Military High Command acknowledged government support, highlighting interventions including vehicle acquisitions, retooling, and ongoing barracks regeneration projects aimed at addressing accommodation challenges and improving personnel welfare.

A Modernisation Programme Already Underway

The announcements build on a defence modernisation drive that has been taking shape throughout 2026. In January, President John Dramani Mahama announced plans to procure offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy, four new Airbus H175 helicopters, and an executive jet for the Air Force, alongside armoured personnel carriers, strategic drones, and advanced communication systems .

The Navy's modernisation vision was elaborated in October by Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, who disclosed plans to acquire two 72-metre offshore patrol vessels, an additional fisheries patrol vessel, a fast attack craft, and six V-BAT unmanned aerial systems. He noted that more than 60 per cent of the Navy's fleet is currently dedicated to offshore oil and gas security, limiting vessels available for other operations . The offshore security vessel GNS Tema was reported to be near completion.

On the aviation side, the Ghana Air Force took delivery of its first Airbus H175 helicopter from France in March 2026, part of a parliamentary-approved procurement programme that includes one H160, three H175 helicopters, and a Falcon 6X long-range aircraft . The acquisition was intended to address the "operational limitations" of the Air Force's ageing fleet.

Barracks Regeneration and Welfare

The briefing also highlighted barracks regeneration projects. In July, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi broke ground for three redevelopment projects at Burma Camp, including the El Wak barracks redevelopment, the Post Office modernisation, and the Medo Lines project, which upon completion will house approximately 180 military families instead of the previous 32 . The CDS inspected ongoing projects in October, with contractors indicating most were expected to be completed by December 2026 .

Adjei, a former Deputy Defence Minister who assumed office in August 2026, has previously emphasised the changing security landscape, citing violent extremism in the Sahel and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and autonomous platforms on modern conflict .

Key Points:

· Naval acquisitions: Two 72-metre offshore patrol vessels, fisheries patrol vessel, fast attack craft, and unmanned aerial systems planned

· Air Force: First Airbus H175 delivered March 2026; additional helicopters and a Falcon 6X on order

· Current fleet constraint: Over 60% of Navy vessels dedicated to offshore oil and gas security

· Welfare focus: Barracks regeneration at Burma Camp, El Wak, and Medo Lines expected to complete by end of 2026

· Minister's stance: Government committed to a well-resourced, adequately equipped military.