The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government intends to purchase four new helicopters as part of efforts to retool the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) beginning in 2026.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews following the 2026 budget presentation on November 13, 2025, Dr Ato Forson revealed that the GAF currently has only one functional military aircraft to support its operations.
“Government has taken the decision based on the recommendations of the investigation board into the August 6 helicopter crash. Government is seeking to purchase four modern helicopters; they [GAF] only have one functional military aircraft, and we need to get more,” he said.
He stressed that the decision is a national necessity rather than a political issue.
“These things are a priority for the state, and if today there were an emergency and the military had to use helicopters to deploy troops into a community for rescue operations, we would be found wanting. It’s not a matter of politics, it’s about the country, and we need to be protected. So we have taken the decision to retool the Ghana Armed Forces,” Dr Ato Forson stated.
The finance minister’s comments align with the government’s comprehensive plan to retool the Ghana Air Force beginning in 2026 as part of a broader defence modernisation agenda.
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The initiative includes the procurement of new aircraft to enhance aerial surveillance, logistics, and national security operations.
“Mr Speaker, the Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning 2026, the Government of Ghana will begin the procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range aircraft,” he stated.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament, Dr Forson also noted that the Ghana Navy continues to play a vital role in national defence, but its fleet has become increasingly outdated and costly to maintain.
According to Dr Forson, the delivery of the aircraft and other fleet assets is expected within four years, provided the procurement procedures are completed as scheduled.
MA
