Address by Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah Minister for Defence

| Government Accountability Series, 21st.

July 2025 Good morning, Fellow Ghanaians, the Media, and Distinguished Guests, With deep humility, and patriotism, I welcome you all to this important moment of reflection, renewal, and reaffirmation of purpose.

Today, we gather not only to account for our stewardship so far but also to cast a shared vision for a safer, stronger, and more resilient Ghana.

A more resilient Ghana led by a government that is seeking to modernise, expand, make our Armed Forces more responsive to our national needs while ensuring a happier military.

Let me begin by paying special tribute to the distinguished leadership present here with me today.

These are the patriots who, through policy, discipline, and duty, ensure that Ghana remains ever ready in a world filled with uncertainties:

• Deputy Minister for Defence, Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi your energy and commitment to advancing our agenda for modernization and reform have been indispensable.

• Chief Director at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Emmanuel Kartey the administrative engine room of our Ministry, ensuring strategic alignment and execution.

• Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong a soldier’s general, whose guidance and leadership continue to inspire a force of excellence.

• Our Service Chiefs:

• Army: Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu commander of boots on the ground, guardian of our territorial integrity.

• Navy: Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, steward of our maritime domain and protector of Ghana’s blue economy.

• Air Force: Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong sentinel of the skies and technological advancement.

• Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai for your coordination and oversight across services.

• Chairman of Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) and the Executive Director, Brigadier General Seidu Mumuni Adams (Rtd)— custodians of the legacy and welfare of those who once bore arms in our name.

2 • Force Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Addo the voice of discipline, morale, and cohesion among our rank and file.

To all the Directors of the Ministry of Defence, Senior Officers and Commanders at all levels of the Ghana Armed Forces, thank you for your tireless dedication behind the scenes.

And to every soldier, airman, sailor and defence civilian staff from the frontlines of our borders to peacekeeping missions abroad, I salute you.

Your service is not only a duty; it is a national covenant.

I also extend my appreciation to the media for your role in the national dialogue and to our citizens for your vigilance, and your enduring support.

Additionally, to the Ministry of Government Communications for instituting the Government Accountability Series, which has provided us this platform to wear our boots from the barracks to interface with the public and account for our stewardship at the presidency, the operational space of our Commander-in-Chief works.

It is important to emphasise that Accountability is the heartbeat of democracy, and today, we honour that sacred trust.

While at it, I invite you today, to see through the eyes of the Ghanaian soldier.

To feel the heartbeat of our national security infrastructure.

To walk with us on the silent paths we patrol – not for glory, but for Ghana. Ladies and gentlemen, let us journey together into the heart of our defence story so far.

Safeguarding National Security It is with confidence and pride that I state, that to a very large extent, Ghana is SAFE, STABLE, PEACEFUL AND READY TO EXPERIENCE HER GOLDEN AGE UNDER THE RESET AGENDA.

We have kept our nation safe and stable notwithstanding the irregular transfer of thousands of rounds of military ammunition in 2024 from the Ghana Armed Forces to the National Security outfit. Ammunitions which have since not been accounted for.

3 Ghana Army The Ghana Armed Forces continues to ensure Ghana’s territorial integrity through coordinated land, maritime, and air operations.

While the overall internal and external security of Ghana remains stable, we acknowledge that the situation in Bawku and Alavanyo and their immediate surroundings remains quite volatile.

The Ghana Armed Forces, is actively monitoring developments and have put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained in the interest of a peaceful and long-lasting resolution of the conflicts through dialogue.

In doing so, we shall always separate crime from traditional matters enabling us to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflicts.

Relatedly, let me assure once again that Government has decided to take necessary steps to reconstruct the statue of the Zugran of the Kusaug Traditional Area in Bawku while investigations into the incident continues.

To address emerging security threats such as violent extremism and terrorism, as well as other transnational threats, the Ghana Army embarked on a multi-national military exercise aimed at enhancing the capacity of participating troops from various countries.

The Ghana Army, in collaboration with the United States Army, the Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF) and Special Operations Command - Africa (SOCAF) successfully organised Ex AFRICAN LION and FLINTLOCK in May 2025.

Ex AFRICAN LION was held in Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal and FLINT LOCK was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Overall, 94 troops of the Ghana Army participated in the exercises in Cote d'Ivoire, Tunisia and Morocco. The Navy: Maritime Security The Ghana Navy continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of key national installations.

Regular patrols are conducted to safeguard offshore oil and gas facilities, including the Jubilee Oil Field, TEN Oil Field, and Sankofa Oil Field.

The patrols have successfully reduced canoe incursions. The Navy also undertakes riverine patrols to protect vital inland installations such as the Akosombo and Bui Dams to ensure power supply.

The riverine patrols have also contributed to a reduction in accidents on various river bodies – minimising the loss of lives and property as well as helping traders (a profession heavily dominated by women and making a significant contribution to the growth of our economy) to engage in their daily commercial activities.

4 The Ghana Navy has also enhanced its protection for the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), guarding against theft and sabotage to ensure the supply of power.

Within Ghana’s ports, the Navy is currently providing enhanced security through robust anchorage and harbour patrols to facilitate the 24-hour operations of the Ghana Ports and Habour Authority (GPHA).

Particularly, the Special Boat Squadron has increased its training events in and around the Port in the form of Boat exercises around the anchorage and combat medical care and evacuation from ships in the Port.

The Ghana Navy has significantly reduced maritime crimes, particularly piracy, through robust patrols, targeted escort duties, and the deployment of armed guards aboard vessels.

These efforts have kept our sea lines of communication secure – enhancing maritime economic activities. Additionally, the Navy, as part of Operation CARAT, intensified patrols to enforce compliance with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development’s (MOFAD) directives on closed fishing season for industrial and semi-industrial trawling vessels. Ghana’s position on the lingering Ghana/Togo maritime boundary dispute was given a boost by conducting patrols along the Ghana/Togo maritime border.

The deployment of GNS ACHIMOTA within the disputed area succeeded in establishing harmony at the Eastern border.

Moreover, leadership engagement between the two (2) navies, as well as operational level harmonisation, have helped to prevent the escalation of the Ghana/Togo border dispute.

Basic Narcotic Training Programmes for Recruits and Cadets The Ghana Navy facilitated two specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of narcotics control personnel.

The courses provided foundational military and maritime skills, discipline, and basic narcotics interdiction techniques.

It further prepared personnel for frontline roles in combating drug trafficking and related transnational crimes.

The trainings further emphasised inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led operations, and the strategic application of law enforcement tools in disrupting drug trafficking networks.

These programmes reflect the Navy’s continued support for national security institutions and by extension, support for the government’s initiative on Ghana Against Drugs.

Vessel Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Training The Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) facilitated a series of Vessel Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) trainings aimed at improving maritime law enforcement and interdiction capabilities.

The trainings were targeted at both civilian and military maritime personnel from countries within the Maritime Multinational Coordination Centre Zone F. 5 The conduct of these trainings emphasises Ghana’s foreign policy of good neighbourliness and fosters an enabling maritime environment within the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

The Ghana Air Force The Ghana Air Force (GHAF) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to National Defence, Operational Excellence and Regional Support. During the first half of the year, GHAF successfully executed a series of operations and strategic deployments across multiple mission areas, including MEDEVAC flights with its acutely constrained assets across the country.

Just like the Ghana Army, the Ghana Air Force and the Ghana Navy, all three services of the Ghana Armed Forces have many unserviceable assets – Armoured Personnel Carriers, ships and boats, aircrafts etc.

We therefore appreciate, Government’s decision to retool the Ghana Armed Forces. GHAF conducted aerial surveillance missions supporting national security agencies in countering illicit activities along the coastal and border regions in support of Operation MAIDA BUURI and Operation AHODWO II.

Several reconnaissance missions were conducted along the northern borders of Ghana. Multiple flights were performed for the rotation of troops deployed in Dorkorkyina and Bui in support of Operation CALM LIFE and Operation OASIS, respectively.

GHAF provided strategic airlift to conduct rotation flights for Ghanaian troops deployed in Gambia on ECOMIG. Additionally, GHAF actively participated in multi-agency exercises, including Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS and Exercise FLINTLOCK, enhancing interoperability with sister services and international partners.

We are not only planning to strengthen our Air Force; we are enhancing our national defence protecting our airspace and upholding our mandate to ensure the safety and security of all Ghanaians.

Supporting The Fight Against Illegal Mining, Galamsey The Ghana Armed Forces has played significant supporting role in the fight against illegal mining, Galamsey.

We are not out of the woods yet! But there is hope because there is the political will at the very top.

We have reviewed the fight against illegal mining and have worked with stakeholders to reform the fight.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is a product of that review exercise.

The recovery of several forest reserves (early this year), which our Forest Guards could not venture was led by the Ghana Armed Forces.

Additionally, the Navy supported land forces in Operation HALT II to combat illegal mining along River Ankobra in the Western and Western North regions.

6 The Navy’s riverine operations along the Volta River like Operation Oasis in Bui also assisted in reducing the effects of illegal mining on the Black Volta.

To strengthen security along Ghana’s inland waterways and riverine areas, Government launched the Blue Water Guard Training Programme in 2025.

The Blue Water Guard Initiative aims to establish 24-hour monitoring of Ghana’s water bodies. It is a strategic intervention to tackle illegal mining activities, protect the environment, and restore Ghana’s polluted water resources.

The first batch of 453 personnel were trained by the Ghana Navy at the Forward Operating Base Ezinlibo.

A second batch made up of 532 personnel commenced training last month and are scheduled to graduate this week.

The training of the guards reflects Ghana Navy’s commitment to operationalising governments initiative of ensuring that all mining activities in Ghana leave a positive green footprint and not pollute river bodies.

Defence Infrastructure: The Hardware of Stability President John Dramani Mahama believes true defence capability goes beyond weaponry—it is strengthened by robust infrastructure, resilient systems, and strong institutions.

In times of peace, like now, our focus must be, and indeed is on building the institutions, hospitals, roads, and industries that protect our people and promote their well-being. Today, I am proud to report that in alignment with the RESET GHANA agenda, military infrastructure is receiving attention and investment, turning Ghana’s defence footprint into an engine for national development.

Forward Operating & Logistics Bases: A New Security Frontier The President has directed that all Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) currently under construction along strategic stretches of our northern border, from Upper West to Upper East, and across the North East Region be captured under THE BIG PUSH programme to ensure the speedy completion of the projects.

Healthcare for Heroes: 37 Military Hospital and Beyond A nation that honours its defenders must invest in their health.

It is important to mention that the 37 Military Hospital, which is the crown jewel of our military health system and a national emergency response centre, has seen significant improvement, including: 1. New oxygen compressor systems and diagnostic imaging machines (CT scan, Xray) to meet 21st-century standards

2. Installation of digital patient monitors, a new cold room for pharmaceutical preservation, and high-grade dental sterilizers 7 Additionally, the contractual bottleneck which had stalled the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital project has finally been resolved through painstaking negotiations paving the way for the costeffective completion of the project.

Moreover, we are upgrading Medical Reception Stations (MRS) of the Ghana Armed Forces to bring quality healthcare closer to all corners of the nation.

DIHOC: Ghana’s Defence-Driven Industrial Renaissance

The Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC) Limited represents a new era in Ghana’s development, positioning the Armed Forces as key drivers of industrial and economic transformation.

Originally envisioned by the late President John Evans Atta Mills – of blessed memory – and being revitalised under President John Dramani Mahama, DIHOC now operates with an expanded mandate under the RESET GHANA agenda.

I have inaugurated a new innovative, enterprising and action-oriented Governing Board, chaired by my capable Deputy, Ernest Brogya Genfi.

I have tasked them to transform talk and plenty prose into action and verifiable outcomes in order to place the Ghana Armed Forces on the path of sustainable financing.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me be clear, DIHOC is laying the foundation for a resilient, industrialised Ghana that can feed itself, empower its people, and thrive in a competitive global landscape.

Egypt has successfully done it in North Africa; so, can Ghana do it in West Africa.

Yes, we can! Even before DIHOC unleashes its fullest potential, the Ghana Armed Forces is presently partnering with the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) in a 180km road works on the main Awaso–Takoradi corridor, which serves as the primary route for transporting Ghana’s bauxite to the Takoradi port.

A port protected by the Ghana Armed Forces. The 180km stretch is deteriorating due to bauxite haulage.

When work commences, these road works will once again demonstrate the military's engineering expertise and long-standing commitment to supporting national development. In the coming weeks, details of this partnership will be announced, along with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of work.

If I may add, the Ghana Armed Forces, through the Defence Industries Holding Company, will form strategic partnerships to ensure the accelerated execution of the 6-lane Accra – Kumasi expressway announced by President Mahama in the Ashanti Region last week.

Who else can Ghanaians trust to execute road construction day and night – within a 24-Hour Economy – if not the Ghana Armed Forces?

8 Towards Food Sovereignty: As part of Ghana’s commitment to food sovereignty in general and in the case of The Ministry of Defence’s sustainable supply of food for our troops, DIHOC is working towards large-scale commercial farming projects aligned with the Feed Ghana Programme initiated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

This effort is in close partnership with key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Office of the President for Special Initiatives, the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, the National Service Authority, and strategic private sector actors.

Outcomes will include a broad range of transformative projects within the poultry sector in addition to mechanized farming of key staples such as maize, soya and rice.

Let me commend the Chief of the Defence Staff for embracing this policy and running with it – because my visit to the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) and within the garrisons have revealed some units preparing in earnest to take up the challenge.

Enlistment and Recruitment The Ghana Armed Forces must be a force of excellence, integrity, opportunity and national integration.

Unfortunately, this has not always been the case.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me share the story of enlistment fraud with the general public.

This story shows us that while we fight non-military perpetrators of enlistment and recruitment fraud, we must also pay attention to their few collaborators within the Ghana Armed Forces.

When I assumed office as Minister for Defence, I instituted an inquiry into the enlistment of would-be officers. 452 Ghana Military Academy hopefuls were investigated.

Sadly, the outcome of the investigation and audit conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces into enlistment into the Ghana Military Academy for the Regular Career Course (RCC) 64 and 65 and Short Service Course (SSC) intakes 62 revealed that 210 out of 452 (46%) did not meet the eligibility test.

For the Regular Career Course (RCC) 64 who are currently in training, the audit pointed to some 34 trainees who side-stepped one or more of the stage(s) of the enlistment processes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it was difficult sending them home since they had been in training for almost one year. Twelve months!

Sending 34 well-trained energetic youth who had endured military training home in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous West African sub-region with free-floating weapons and ammunitions can have severe consequences.

9 So, they have been directed to fulfil all criteria.

However, IF they fail to meet these requirements, they would be released from training.

Regarding adversely affected persons in the Regular Career Course (RCC) 65 and Short Service Course (SSC) 62, who are yet to report for training, they have since been directed to discontinue their participation in the enlistment process.

This means 115 Regular and 75 Short Service personnel have been cleared to report for training in due course to join the RCC64 intake.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to report at this stage that the last recruitment exercise for soldiers (non-officers) was conducted in October 2021.

However, the audit has revealed that 2,872 Army potential recruits—who successfully completed all required processes, including documentation, medical examinations, and vetting—are yet to undergo training.

Meanwhile my visit to the Army Recruits Training School (ARTS) just last week disclosed the fact that the ARTS has not been training recruits over the past 17 months.

With the potential capacity for the Army Recruits Training School to train between 900 and 1,500 recruits every six months (a maximum of 3,000 every year)we wonder why the past administration allowed the situation of the 2,872 Army potential recruits to crystallise. Knowing that even healthy people die during military training, how can we rely on laboratory tests conducted years ago or over six months to recruit?

How can we rely on body selection and fitness tests conducted years ago to inform recruitment decisions? Additionally, with the passage of time, many have exceeded the age limit.

Keep in mind that the military is a profession and a vocation that entreats would-be trainees to “Abandon All hopes of normal life…”; imposes the doctrine of “Struggling is acceptable, dropping is acceptable, bleeding is acceptable, tears are acceptable, pain is acceptable” but “Quitting is unacceptable.”

This means, once you enter, you can struggle, drop, bleed, shed litres of tears, suffer excruciating and unbearable pain; but in all these, quitting will not be entertained.

Considering all these significant factors, it has been decided that a new recruitment process will be conducted.

I wish to emphasize that the over 2,000 potential recruits who could not undergo training under the previous administration, even though vacancies existed at the Army Recruit Training School, are strongly encouraged to reapply. Provided they still meet all the established criteria.

I urge those who will not qualify at this stage not to lose hope. Be of good cheer! Because within this 24-Hour Economy, other employment opportunities are being created.

10 I am excited to announce that, as has been communicated by the Commander-in-Chief, a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise is to be undertaken with the view to increasing the man-power strength of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Altogether, we are enlisting and recruiting Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years.

Looking at the needs of the Ghana Armed Forces and in particular the desire to build institutional capacity to support the ongoing drive towards industrialisation and food security, future enlistment and recruitment exercises will also be targeting specific qualifications, such as Agric Extension Officers, Artisans, Engineers, Biochemists among others.

Let me sound a note of warning that the Ghana Armed Forces has not contracted or delegated any individuals, organisations or institutions to undertake any recruitment and enlistment exercise on its behalf.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence seeks to support the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance the capabilities of the recruitment and enlistment portal ahead of the August-September 2025 manpower enhancement drive.

The public is therefore advised to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel. You engage them at your own risk.

Report them to lawful authority. Joining the Ghana Armed Forces under President Mahama will be based solely on merit, not money.

We seek to train soldiers who will not be in haste to provide guard duties for unauthorised persons.

That era is over!

The National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP) In fulfilment of a major promise by President Mahama, the NSERRP will begin in a few weeks.

he Basic Military and Emergency Response Training is a 6-week orientation training scheduled to run in two batches from August to October this year.

Ten Thousand (10,000) National Service volunteers are expected to kick start this initiative with plans to increase the numbers substantially next year.

The areas of training will include Basic Military Orientation, First Aid, Basic Life Support, Disaster/Fire Management, Nationalism and Patriotism, Loyalty and Discipline, Leadership, Mentorship, and Physical Training. The core objective of the NSERRP is to equip the National Service Personnel with the relevant skills in security, disaster preparedness and public safety.

It must be clear, however, that the training programme is optional. 11 Defence Diplomacy, Regional Collaboration & Strategic Outlook.

In today’s interconnected world, national defence can no longer be confined to borders. Security must be both local and global, tactical and diplomatic, responsive and anticipatory.

Ghana understands this reality, and we are acting on it. Our approach to national security is anchored in a clear doctrine: To be secure at home, we must be engaged abroad.

And that is exactly what we are committed to, while remaining non-aligned.

The Sahel crisis, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, arms proliferation, and violent extremism and terrorism do not recognize borders and so no nation can stand alone.

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States further weakens ECOWAS.

Evidence suggests that over the past five years, there have been several successful coups and counter-coups in West Africa.

Mali, 2020; Mali, 2021; Guinea, 2021; Burkina Faso, January 2022 and September 2022; and Niger, 2023. We live in a volatile sub-region!

That is why Ghana has prioritized regional defence cooperation, particularly through ECOWAS and joint military platforms.

I must add that our Commanders-in-Chief’s visit to the Sahel Region early this year has been reassuring.

In a similar vein, under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have deepened bilateral and multilateral military relations, while showcasing Ghana’s reliability, professionalism, and peace-first posture.

Over the past half year, we have: • Hosted high-level defence delegations from the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Nigeria, the United States of America, France and Turkey, among others;

• Signed new defence cooperation agreements, including intelligence-sharing, logistics support, officer exchange programs, and arms control; and

• Participated in strategic African Union and ECOWAS defence forums, where Ghana has become a respected voice in shaping regional security frameworks.

12 Leading on the Global Stage: Peacekeeping with Honour and Excellence Ghana continues to uphold its legacy as a beacon of international peacekeeping.

Our blue helmets serve not just in large numbers but with unmatched professionalism and honour and the world has taken notice.

Aside from the trailblazing role being played by Major General Anita Asmah, as UN Force Commander in Syria, Major General Robert Affram is also playing a key role within the UN Peacekeeping setup.

Let me also add that, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme, was recently awarded with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year, which further embodies our commitment to inclusivity, protection of vulnerable populations, and gender equity in conflict zones.

Congratulations once again Squadron Leader Syme.

Let me also congratulate a Soldier, Teye-Tsu Solomon Asare for refusing a bribe, ‘a significant financial inducement’ from some illegal miners who wanted to access restricted sites of the Bibiani Goldmines.

For this professional and exemplary conduct, the Chief of the Defence Staff on 11 July 2025, promoted him from the rank of Private to Lance Corporal among other awards.

Congratulations Lance Corporal Teye-Tsu. “Your exemplary conduct is a testament to the GAF’s commitment to the fight against galamsey.” Veterans: Honouring Our Living Heroes Our veterans are the living testimonies of Ghana’s bravery, resilience, and sacrifice.

They are the men and women who once stood at the frontlines at home and abroad so that our children could live in peace, and our democracy could endure.

And today, we must ensure that their service is never forgotten, their voices never silenced, and their dignity never compromised.

We believe while we rightly celebrate our veterans’ heroism on various Remembrance Days, our gratitude must go beyond ceremony.

Our gratitude must be seen in action and sustained through policy. To achieve this noble goal, we have launched a robust effort to uplift the welfare of veterans under the umbrella of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG): 1. A new vibrant Governing board has been inaugurated to oversee the administration of Veterans. 2. Aggressive recovery of Veterans’ funds, lands and assets is ongoing.

3. Veterans will also be prime beneficiaries of the Mahama Cares health financing initiative that seeks to finance diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancers, and kidney disease care.

13 4. Also, Completing the Afari Military Hospital and the Field Hospital in Tamale will take health care closer to veterans across the country than they have ever experienced.

5. In addition, dividends from the Defence Industries Holding Company’s (DIHOC) exploits will not only finance serving soldiers. Veterans will also have their equitable share.

To forget our veterans is to forget our values. Veterans are not relics of the past.

They are pillars of our present and custodians of our history.

The Challenges We Are Confronting Let me first acknowledge, with candour, the Ministry of Defence, like all critical institutions of state, inherited substantial constraints in January 2025 – some of which continue to test our resolve daily.

We inherited a staggering institutional debt burden of over GHC3.7 billion (GHC3,790,415,326.67).

Hidden debt of over US$32 million ($32,640,300.32) owed by the Ghana Armed Forces was later uncovered by the current Military High Command.

These legacy debts continue to constrain our ability to invest adequately in critical defence priorities and welfare infrastructure.

Alongside this, we are contending with a 17,000-unit accommodation deficit for our brave men and women in uniform.

These are not just figures; they are realities that affect operational readiness, troop morale, and the dignity of service. But let me assure you: these are not lamentations, they reaffirm our determination to resolve these problems— first by acknowledging that they exist.

And deciding that never again should a government mismanage the nation's economy to this depressing level. We are fixing the challenges!

Our well-designed programmes are working! 14 Conclusion Here are 15 key bullet points: 1. Modernization: $US1 billion investment to modernize Ghana Armed Forces over 3 and half years.

2. New Equipment: Advanced tactical vehicles, body armour, and digital communication systems for the Army.

3. Maritime Enhancement: Enhanced patrol vessels and radar integration for the Navy.

4. Air Force Upgrade: New air assets including UAVs for the Ghana Air Force to operate effectively.

5. Accommodation: Construction of 10,000 housing units across all Garrisons.

6. Enlistment and Recruitment: Increasing the manpower strength of the Ghana Armed Forces by 12,000 over the next 3 and half years.

7. Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening bilateral and multilateral alliances.

8. Defence Industrialization: Enhancing local production through DIHOC.

9. RESET GHANA Agenda: Aligning defence strategy with national development goals.

10. Security Challenges: Addressing threats (chieftaincy, Galamsey, violent extremism) with foresight and readiness.

11. Climate Security: Preparing for floods, droughts, and food insecurity.

12. Gender Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces.

13. Veterans' Welfare: Ensuring the well-being of veterans – Mahama Cares, more health facilities and additional funding from DIHOC.

 14. National Service: Training 10,000 youth in disaster preparedness and patriotism.

15. Unity and Progress: Emphasizing collective responsibility and unity for Ghana's progress.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we stand at the threshold of a new era – The Mahama Second Coming – and resetting Ghana, let us remember that our strength lies not just in our arms, but in our unity, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to Ghana's progress.

Today, we have outlined a vision for a modernized, industrialized, and inclusive defence sector that serves as a beacon of hope and stability in our region.

Let us march forward together, with the Ghana Armed Forces as our guardians of peace and architects of prosperity.

Let us uphold the sacred covenant to protect every Ghanaian and propel our nation towards a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.

As we close this chapter and embark on the next, let us recognise that defence goes beyond the boots, barracks and borders.

Because defence affects everything. Security is the seedbed of progress.

Let our guiding principle be One Ghana, One Destiny.

May God bless our beloved homeland, Ghana.

May God bless our brave men and women in uniform.

And may God forever guide us towards a brighter future for all.