Ghana Reviewing Military Strategy Amid UN Peacekeeping Drawdowns – Mahama

President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced that Ghana is undertaking a strategic review of its military posture in response to ongoing drawdowns in United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide.

President Mahama made the disclosure this today Friday 23rd January, 2026 while addressing officers, soldiers, defence civilian staff, and invited guests at the Annual West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASA) 2025, noting that evolving global dynamics and financial constraints within the UN system have significantly affected peacekeeping deployments.

“The current financial and logistical challenges facing the United Nations have led to significant drawdowns in peacekeeping operations worldwide,” President Mahama said.

Impact on Ghanaian Troops

The President revealed that the drawdowns have already had a direct impact on Ghanaian personnel deployed or earmarked for deployment on UN missions.

“Two hundred and forty-seven personnel deployed to Southern Lebanon were repatriated just two months after deployment, while another 217 personnel earmarked for South Sudan were stood down after pre-deployment training,” he disclosed.

According to the President, an additional 77 personnel are scheduled to be repatriated from South Sudan later this month, further underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Strategic Review Underway

President Mahama said government has directed the Military High Command to undertake a comprehensive review to reposition the Ghana Armed Forces for a future in which UN peacekeeping deployments may no longer be as extensive as in the past.

“Given the evolving global dynamics, the Military High Command is undertaking a strategic review to position the Ghana Armed Forces effectively in a post-UN peacekeeping environment,” he stated.

He added that the possible closure of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by December 2026 has heightened the urgency of this reassessment.

“Government is fully aware of the implications of the possible closure of UNIFIL and is taking the necessary steps to mitigate its impact on our personnel and our Armed Forces as a whole,” President Mahama said.

Support for Affected Personnel

The President assured officers and soldiers affected by the drawdowns that government will prioritise their redeployment in future peacekeeping missions.

“I have directed that all affected personnel be prioritised for future peacekeeping deployments,” he said.

He stressed that no Ghanaian soldier would be disadvantaged as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

Broader Security Focus

President Mahama noted that the review of military strategy is also informed by emerging domestic and regional security threats, including terrorism, cross-border crime, and internal conflicts.

“While our international peacekeeping role remains important, we must also ensure that our Armed Forces are fully prepared to address evolving security challenges at home and within the sub-region,” he stated.

He reiterated that the government remains committed to equipping, training, and motivating the Armed Forces to meet these challenges.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I remain resolute in ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces are fully resourced and positioned to serve Ghana, our sub-region, Africa, and the world with distinction,” President Mahama said.

The President’s remarks come at a time when several troop-contributing countries are reassessing their military strategies in response to changing UN peacekeeping mandates and funding constraints.