The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has disclosed that the government is taking steps to enhance the operational capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to ensure national security and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
Taking his turn at the Government Accountability Series, a platform designed to update citizens on key state initiatives, Dr. Omane Boamah stated that government’s retooling efforts target all three branches of the Armed Forces: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
“We are not only planning to strengthen Ghana’s Air Force; we are enhancing our national defence, protecting our airspace, and upholding our mandate to ensure the safety and security of all Ghanaians,” he said.
Ghana Air Force Praised
The Minister for Defence paid glowing tribute to the Ghana Air Force (GHAF) for its commitment to national defence and operational excellence.
“During the first half of the year, GHAF executed a series of operations and strategic deployments across multiple mission areas, including MEDEVAC flights with its acutely constrained assets across the country,” he said.
Despite challenges, he noted, the Air Force has conducted aerial surveillance missions supporting national security agencies in countering illicit activities along the country’s coasts and borders.
These included missions under Operation MAIDA BUURI and Operation AHODWO II, as well as troop rotation support in Operation CALM LIFE and Operation OASIS.
GHAF also provided strategic airlift capabilities for Ghanaian troops in The Gambia under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) and actively participated in multi-agency international exercises, such as OBANGAME EXPRESS and FLINTLOCK, aimed at enhancing joint force interoperability.
Ghana Navy’s Maritime Gains
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah commended the Ghana Navy for its success in curbing piracy and securing the nation’s waters.
“The Ghana Navy has significantly reduced maritime crimes, particularly piracy, through robust patrols, targeted escort duties, and the deployment of armed guards aboard vessels,” he revealed.
These actions, he said, have secured the Gulf of Guinea’s sea lanes, thereby boosting maritime trade and protecting oil infrastructure including the Jubilee, TEN and Sankofa Oil Fields.
He said the Navy undertakes riverine patrols to safeguard key inland installations such as the Akosombo and Bui Dams, contributing to fewer accidents on water bodies and enabling safer commercial transport for traders, especially women.
“These river patrols have helped reduce loss of lives and property and improved commercial activity on Ghana’s inland waterways,” Dr. Omane Boamah stated.
Securing Strategic National Assets
The Minister for Defence further revealed that the Navy has ramped up security around the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and Ghana’s ports, adding that enhanced anchorage and harbour patrols are now being conducted in support of the 24-hour operations of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
He made special mention of the Special Boat Squadron, which has intensified combat and medical evacuation drills within port environments to boost maritime security preparedness.
Western Togoland & Maritime Diplomacy
Touching on the Ghana–Togo maritime boundary, Dr. Omane Boamah noted that the Navy’s deployment of GNS ACHIMOTA in the disputed area helped calm tensions and uphold Ghana’s sovereignty.
“Patrols along the Ghana-Togo maritime border have reinforced our commitment to good neighbourliness while ensuring maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea,” he explained.
He stressed that operational-level harmonisation and leadership engagements between both navies have helped prevent escalation.
Armed Forces’ Role in Anti-Galamsey Fight
Dr. Omane Boamah acknowledged the Armed Forces’ crucial role in combating illegal mining, or galamsey.
“We are not out of the woods yet, but there is hope because there is strong political will at the very top,” he said.
As part of a reviewed anti-galamsey strategy, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was established. Under Operation HALT II, the Navy supported the Army to reclaim several forest reserves and rivers, including operations along the River Ankobra in the Western and Western North regions.
The Defence Minister’s presentation was attended by top military commanders and defence personnel, affirming government’s ongoing commitment to securing Ghana’s territorial and economic assets.
