President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana has begun acquiring new military helicopters with support from France to strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities.
Speaking at the Presidency during the presentation of credentials by the French Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, March 30, 2026, Mahama said the acquisition forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Ghana Armed Forces and address longstanding challenges associated with ageing equipment.
President Mahama also received the credentials of ambassadors from France, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Sudan and the People’s Republic of China.
He disclosed that one of the helicopters has already been delivered, with a schedule in place for the remaining units. The procurement, he noted, was facilitated through cooperation with France and leading aerospace manufacturers.
“This is to help improve the air capacity of the Ghana military, which has been quite degraded over the years,” he said.
Mahama further revealed that Ghana is engaging the International Monetary Fund to secure flexibility in its ongoing programme to enable critical security acquisitions, particularly in the area of maritime defence.
According to him, plans to acquire offshore patrol vessels to boost the Navy’s capacity to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea were affected by Ghana’s debt restructuring programme under the IMF.
He explained that he has appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron to support Ghana’s request for a waiver from the IMF to allow the country proceed with the acquisition, stressing that security-related investments should be treated as urgent and essential.
“We have been in discussion with the IMF and requested a waiver to enable us acquire offshore patrol vessels because it has to do with security, and security is critical,” Mahama stated.
The President emphasised that strengthening both air and naval capabilities is crucial as Ghana faces increasing security threats, including piracy and the spillover risks of terrorism from the Sahel.
He also commended France for its continued support, particularly in defence cooperation, intelligence sharing and training, describing the partnership as vital to Ghana’s national security.
Mahama reiterated that Ghana remains committed to working with international partners to ensure peace and stability, while continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces despite economic constraints.
SOURCE: Mubarak Yakubu
