President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron to support Ghana’s request for a waiver from the International Monetary Fund to enable the country proceed with critical defence acquisitions.
Speaking at the Presidency during the presentation of credentials by the French Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, March 30, 2026, Mahama stressed that security-related investments must be prioritised, even as Ghana continues to implement its economic recovery programme under the IMF.
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.
According to him, plans to acquire offshore patrol vessels to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana Navy to combat rising piracy in the Gulf of Guinea were affected by the country’s debt restructuring programme.
He explained that Ghana has since engaged the IMF to seek flexibility, arguing that national security cannot be compromised.
“We have been in discussion with the IMF and have requested a waiver to enable us acquire offshore patrol vessels because it has to do with security, and security is critical,” Mahama said.
The President noted that he has also called on President Macron to support Ghana’s position, given France’s longstanding partnership with the country, particularly in defence and security cooperation.
Mahama emphasised that strengthening both air and naval capabilities is essential as Ghana faces increasing security threats, including piracy and the potential spillover of terrorism from the Sahel region.
He warned that instability in the Sahel continues to pose a growing risk to coastal West African states, making it imperative for countries like Ghana to enhance their defence preparedness.
Beyond naval acquisitions, the President highlighted ongoing efforts to improve Ghana’s air defence systems, including the procurement of military helicopters with French support to boost operational capacity.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to working with international partners to safeguard peace and stability, stressing that timely investment in security infrastructure is key to preventing the spread of emerging threats across the region.
