Government to Modernise Armed Forces and Strengthen Fire Service in 2026 – Ato Forson
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has announced major plans to retool the Ghana Armed Forces and strengthen the Ghana National Fire Service beginning in 2026.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Dr. Forson said the initiative forms part of government’s commitment to build a modern, agile, and mission-ready defence force while enhancing emergency response capabilities nationwide.
According to him, the Armed Forces modernisation programme will include comprehensive upgrades to logistics, equipment, and infrastructure across all service branches.
For the Army, the government is renegotiating an US$80 million Elbit Systems contract to procure 19 armoured personnel carriers, a move expected to significantly improve ground operations and readiness.
For the Navy, Ghana has acquired two 272-metre offshore patrol vessels, both fitted with helipads and advanced combat systems, to strengthen maritime security, protect offshore energy installations, and safeguard trade routes.
In the Air Force, procurement is set to begin in early 2026 for four new helicopters and two aircraft to enhance airlift capacity, aerial patrols, and emergency response operations.
Dr. Forson noted that the retooling programme would help transform the Ghana Armed Forces into a fully modernised force capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and effectively addressing emerging security threats.
The Finance Minister also revealed that the government will retool the Ghana National Fire Service with 100 new fire tenders and additional specialised fire equipment. He added that government will work with the private sector to introduce high-rise fire response equipment, ensuring faster, safer, and more effective emergency response to protect lives and property.
