Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has announced significant welfare and capacity-building initiatives for the Ghana Armed Forces, including a large-scale housing project, retooling of services, vehicle donations, and a review of soldiers' salaries. This is part of the Government's commitment to strengthening national security and improving the living standards of personnel. The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made the announcement at the end-of-year West African Soldiers' Social Activity (WASSA) 2025, organized by the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government has prioritized accommodation for service personnel, identifying the current housing deficit of about 14,000 units as a critical welfare challenge. To address this, President Mahama stated that the Government is supporting a partnership between the Defence Industrial Holding Company and FT Global to construct 10,000 housing units over the next five years, with the first phase of 2,000 units already underway. This housing initiative, along with the Barracks Regeneration Programme, aims to improve living conditions for officers, soldiers, and their families.
On logistics, the President announced the commissioning of pickup trucks, buses, and Land Cruisers to enhance operational mobility, marking the first phase of a comprehensive retooling program. Future phases will include the acquisition of armored personnel carriers, strategic drones, advanced communication systems, offshore patrol vessels for the Navy, and new helicopters for the Air Force. President Mahama also revealed plans to establish a cyber and electronic warfare center at the Tamale Air Force Base to bolster national defense capabilities.
Regarding personnel welfare, new salary scales for soldiers will take effect in March 2026, with arrears for January and February to be paid in the same month. The President directed the Ministry of Finance to address outstanding retirement and gratuity payments, which had exceeded one billion Ghana cedis. These reforms highlight the commitment to ensuring that the Armed Forces are well-resourced, well-trained, and motivated to address current and future security challenges.
The Acting Minister for Defence and Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, emphasized the Government's focus on the welfare of military personnel, highlighting areas like accommodation, healthcare, training, career progression, and the concerns of retirees. Dr. Forson noted that the concerns of retirees, including those from the 1995 and 1996 year groups, are being addressed through constructive engagements aimed at reaching fair and sustainable solutions. The Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic policy guidance to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain responsive, modern, and operationally ready against emerging security challenges.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing support and highlighted internal reforms, including self-help and income-generating initiatives and progress on the barracks regeneration programme. The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces' commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the maintenance of peace and security nationwide. Progress on the barracks regeneration strategy includes redeveloping parts of Burma Camp into high-rise housing to free up land and improve accommodation.
The CDS recognized outstanding units and personnel, such as the Army Signal Training School for producing a locally developed tactical drone that supported recent operations, as well as personnel who excelled in humanitarian and sporting activities. The Armed Forces remain dedicated to maintaining peace and security across the country and will continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, and loyalty in the service of Ghana.
The WASSA 2025 celebration brought together officers, soldiers, defense civilian staff, and invited guests to reflect on the year's activities and renew their commitment to safeguarding national stability.