Defence Ministry Saddled with GH¢3.79 Billion Debt: Dr. Omane Boamah Unveils

Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has disclosed that the ministry is grappling with a hidden debt of GH¢3.79 billion inherited from the previous administration.

The revelation came during the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House, where Dr. Boamah outlined a comprehensive roadmap to revitalize Ghana’s defence sector.

The GH¢3.79 billion liability, previously unaccounted for in public records, has raised serious concerns about fiscal oversight and governance. Dr. Boamah emphasized that the debt has constrained the ministry’s ability to invest in critical infrastructure, personnel welfare, and modernization efforts. “This is not just a financial burden—it’s a legacy of opacity that we must correct,” he stated.

The minister highlighted a severe accommodation shortfall affecting over 17,000 personnel. In response, the government plans to construct 10,000 housing units to improve living conditions for military families.

Additionally, the MahamaCares Health Programme will be launched to support veterans suffering from chronic illnesses, marking a significant shift toward prioritizing welfare.

A GH¢1 billion investment over the next 3.5 years will fund the largest military modernization initiative in recent history. This includes:

1.Upgrading equipment and facilities.

2.Recruiting 12,000 new personnel.

3.Eliminating pay-to-join practices.

4.nvestigating 452 fraud cases and disqualifying 210 applicants.

5.Resolving the status of 2,872 recruits left in limbo since 2021.

Dr. Boamah stressed that recruitment will now be merit-based, aligning with President Mahama’s vision of fairness and professionalism.

With five coups in West Africa since 2020, Ghana is intensifying its regional security posture. Key initiatives include:

Expanding Navy patrols to safeguard offshore oil fields and hydroelectric dams.

Reclaiming forest reserves from illegal miners under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.

Supporting the Accra-Kumasi expressway construction as part of the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The completion of the Afari Military Hospital and Tamale Field Hospital signals progress in healthcare infrastructure. Meanwhile, partnerships with the Ghana Bauxite Company will facilitate the construction of 180km of roads, integrating defence logistics with national development.

Dr. Boamah’s revelations and reform agenda mark a turning point in Ghana’s defence governance. The emphasis on transparency, modernization, and welfare reflects a broader commitment to institutional integrity and national resilience.