The Government of Ghana is set to renegotiate an US$80 million supplier credit agreement with ELBIT Systems Land Ltd for 19 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), after the Ghana Army failed to receive a single vehicle despite US$40 million already paid.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made the announcement during his 2026 Budget presentation to Parliament on Thursday, describing the renegotiation as necessary to protect public funds. He said the agreement will be re-presented to lawmakers for approval.
The renegotiation forms part of a broader modernization programme for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), aimed at strengthening operational readiness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in response to evolving security threats.
For the Ghana Army, the focus is on enhancing land warfare capabilities and improving efficiency, ensuring troops are better equipped to respond to challenges on the ground.
The Ghana Navy, which protects the nation’s maritime borders and strategic offshore assets such as oil and gas installations, faces an ageing fleet, limited maintenance infrastructure, and an unfinished Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo in the Western Region. As part of the 2026 plan, the government will acquire two 72-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with helipads and advanced combat systems, allowing long-range patrols, EEZ protection, and improved offshore security.
The Ghana Air Force is also set for a major upgrade to address limitations posed by ageing aircraft. Procurement plans include four modern helicopters, one long-range, and one medium-range aircraft, expected to be delivered within four years if procurement processes proceed as planned.
“The Ghana Armed Forces will be retooled beginning 2026 to strengthen operational effectiveness, infrastructure, and readiness across all three services,” Dr. Forson told Parliament, underscoring the government’s commitment to national security.
The 2026 GAF modernization programme represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s defence, combining procurement, infrastructure upgrades, and personnel readiness to ensure the Armed Forces are capable of meeting contemporary security and maritime challenges, while safeguarding public resources.
