Security Boost: Ghana to purchase helicopters, ships and recruit 12,000 personnel amid rising threats
Story: Maurice Otoo
The President, John Dramani Mahama has outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen national security following two recent attacks on Ghanaian citizens, including incidents linked to the Burkina Faso frontier and a pirate attack near Senya Bereku.
Speaking at the State Of the Nation Address ( SONA) on the floor of Parliament today, he stated, “recent attacks pose a serious threat to the country’s security, prompting swift measures to reinforce the security architecture across land, air and sea.
As part of the intervention, he emphasized that, outboard motors are to be distributed to the fishermen who suffered under pirate attacks yesterday, and consoled the families of the Tomato traders who lost their life in Burkina Faso.
The government has approved the request of the Jamaican government for an additional 90-day deployment of Ghanaian military personnel in Jamaica, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to international security cooperation.
To boost operational capacity, the President announced the government’s plans to supply four helicopters and one jet to the Ghana Air Forces (GAF), alongside 50 new vehicles for the Ghana Armed Forces to fortify our security.
Meanwhile the Ghana Police Service have received 40 armored vehicles to boost their operations.
The Navy is also expected to receive two new ships to strengthen maritime surveillance and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
In a major recruitment drive, 12,000 security personnel are expected to be enlisted over the next four years to reinforce the country’s defense and policing systems.
Beyond security, Ghana has been recognized as an African Union Champion for Gender Equality. Additionally, he said, colleague leaders from West Africa have reportedly declared him, Chair of the African Union.
President Mahama insist the multi-faceted approach demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding citizens while maintaining its leadership role on the continental stage.
