SONA 2026: Mahama announces major security overhaul amid rising threats
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an extensive plan to strengthen Ghana’s security architecture in response to evolving threats, including cross-border violence and piracy.
Speaking at the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament in Accra on Friday, February 27, the President said recent incidents — including the killing of eight Ghanaians in a neighbouring country and a pirate attack on 71 Ghanaian fishermen — underscore the urgent need to retool and adequately equip the nation’s security services.
"Mr Speaker, in the security sector, Ghana faces evolving security threats. Our troops, services, and agencies have, however, remain firmly committed to strengthening national peace and security, which underpin our democracy, development, and social creation," he said.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces for successfully evacuating injured citizens from Burkina Faso and praised the Ghana Navy, Ghana Air Force, and other security stakeholders for rescuing the stranded fishermen.
He said government has directed support for affected fishermen, including the replacement of stolen outboard motors and fishing gear.
"Mr Speaker, I wish to commend the Ghana Armed Forces for conducting a successful medical evacuation of our injured compatriots from Burkina Faso. I also commend the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force, the National Security Council, the Chief of Staff Operations Team, the MP4, the Chief Fisherman, and people of Senya Breku for the combined effort that successfully rescued all the stranded 71 fishermen who had been attacked by pirates."
Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Border Security
The President mentioned that the Armed Forces continue to assist efforts against illegal small-scale mining through river guard deployments and operational support for anti-galamsey initiatives and special courts.
To counter terrorism and transnational crime threats from the Sahel, he said the Northern Border Security Project is advancing as Ghana’s first line of defence against extremist infiltration.
Plans are also underway to establish new military barracks in Ejumako (Central Region) and Dambai (Oti Region) to strengthen state presence in emerging security zones.
Retooling and Modernisation
As part of a broader retooling agenda, President Mahama said government has signed agreements to procure four new Eurocopter helicopters and one jet for the Air Force to replace ageing aircraft. Previously grounded aircraft are being overhauled to restore operational readiness.
He said further acquisitions include offshore patrol vessels, armoured personnel carriers, drones, protective gear, ammunition, vehicles, and advanced communication systems to enhance the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
"To further support retooling efforts, agreements have been signed to procure and deliver four brand new Eurocopter helicopters and one jet for the Ghana Air Force, aimed at replacing the aging fleet and modernizing our air capabilities. The Ghana Armed Forces is carrying out a thorough overhaul of previously grounded aircraft, which involves replacing essential components and bringing them back into service."
"This aims to quickly restore their operational readiness and to provide additional vehicles for the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance mobility and boost troop morale," he said.
Peacekeeping and International Solidarity
President Mahama added that currently, 2,119 Ghanaian troops are deployed in international peacekeeping missions, reinforcing Ghana’s global reputation. However, with some UN missions winding down, government plans to keep returning troops engaged through expanded training and domestic operations.
In a demonstration of international solidarity, Ghana deployed 54 engineers to Jamaica in December 2025 to assist with reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa. Their mandate has been extended by 90 days at Jamaica’s request.
Recruitment and Welfare
He stressed that a recruitment drive is underway to increase the Armed Forces by 12,000 personnel over four years adding the process has been decentralised to regional capitals to improve accessibility and transparency.
President Mahama reaffirmed that sustained investment in retooling, personnel welfare, and human capital development remains central to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy, stability, and economic progress.
