CDS announces major housing and retooling support for GAF

Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has announced government approval for a major housing and retooling programme for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). 

Addressing officers, soldiers, civilian staff and families at the GAF End‑of‑Year Religious Parade at Burma Hall in Accra, he said more than 2,000 housing units had been sanctioned for immediate rollout across garrisons nationwide, with about 700 expected to be constructed in Accra. 

Lt. Gen. Agyapong said an additional 8,000 units were projected over the next five years if plans progressed as expected. 

He said the initiative aimed to provide decent accommodation to enhance personnel welfare, operational efficiency and overall well‑being. 

The event was held on the theme: “Kept by the Power of God”, drawn from 1 Peter 1:5. 

On retooling, the CDS said the President had approved a comprehensive package to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Forces. 

He said the Ghana Navy would receive offshore patrol boats, while the Ghana Air Force would be equipped with additional fixed‑wing and rotary aircraft. 

For the Ghana Army, Lt. Gen. Agyapong said armoured assets, air defence systems, weapons, vehicles and ammunition would be supplied to improve readiness. 

He said the GAF was also leveraging internal expertise to reduce costs and enhance self‑reliance. 

“We are now handling our own travel and tour requirements and will extend this approach to areas such as our bakeries, food processing and production environments,” he said. 

Lt. Gen. Agyapong said some units had begun foraging and farming projects, with plans to expand into crop farming to supplement food supplies and reduce the Forces’ food bill, freeing resources for logistics and troop support. 

He commended the Training and Doctrine Command, the Army Signal Brigade and the Signal Training School for producing the GAF’s first major tactical drone with an endurance of three to four hours. 

On misinformation, Lt. Gen. Agyapong warned that the spread of false information posed a serious threat to national stability and internal cohesion. 

He urged personnel to rely on training and available information to verify claims before sharing them, especially on social media. 

The CDS dismissed as false some viral videos alleging that the Government of Ghana had received money related to peacekeeping deployments, describing the claims as “palpable untruths” intended to create fear and disaffection. 

“We must stand firm, remain discerning and not allow misinformation to distract us from our mandate,” he said. 

Lt. Gen. Agyapong thanked officers, soldiers, defence civilian staff and their families for their sacrifices, and acknowledged the clergy for their spiritual support. 

He encouraged personnel to remain united, disciplined, and steadfast in faith as they prepared for the year ahead. 

Source: GNA