The government has vowed to take swift action to avert a looming food shortage within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) caused by an unpaid debt of GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers since August 2023.

President John Mahama gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong, and other Service Chiefs at the Jubilee House on yesterday March 28, Friday.

He emphasized that the Ministries of Finance and Defence are collaborating to clear the existing arrears while putting measures in place to settle the remaining debt.

“This year, we have allocated over GH₵6.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces. As we turn the economy around, you can rest assured that your budgetary allocation will further increase to secure new platforms and assets to enhance your operations,” Mahama said.

On the broader financial challenges facing the Armed Forces, the President acknowledged a debt burden of around GH₵3.7 billion but expressed confidence that, through innovation and dedication, the military would be modernized and expanded.

“We are already working to fix the imminent food crisis that could have affected the Ghana Armed Forces due to the GH₵275 million owed to food suppliers for the past 17 months,” he added.

Mahama also highlighted the contribution of the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited to Ghana’s agricultural development, noting that the disciplined workforce and strategic land holdings of the GAF could help enhance food security in the country.

He urged the military to explore innovative financing solutions to improve infrastructure, training, and accommodation.

“I will be by your side every step of the way. We are already planning to upgrade the Asutsuare Training Camp into a first-class training facility,” he stated.

The President also called on GAF to take decisive action against illegal mining and continue their efforts to maintain peace in Bawku and other conflict-prone areas.

“I know our personnel are deployed in Bawku and other areas for internal security operations, dealing with ethnic and chieftaincy disputes. While we work on resolving these disputes through mediation, judicial intervention, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, the Armed Forces must continue to play their part in maintaining peace. I trust you to deliver,” he said.

Mahama further expressed confidence in the military’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that you will all work tirelessly to ensure that our Armed Forces serve with unity, resilience, and pride. I wish the new CDS and the chiefs of the Ghana Armed Forces a successful tenure as you protect and defend our dear nation.”