Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance and the acting Minister of Defence, has revealed that Akufo-Addo government in 2020 paid US$40 million for armoured military vehicles, but the supplier has still not made any delivery.
According to Ato Forson, on 13th August 2020, the former Akufo-Addo government entered an agreement worth US$80 million with ELBIT Systems Land Ltd for the procurement of 19 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
He revealed the country later paid US$40 million to the supplier; however, the Ghana Armed Forces has yet to receive a single Armoured Personnel Carrier.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament on November 13, 2025, Dr Ato Forson made this shocking revelation, “Mr Speaker, on 13th August, 2020, the Government of Ghana entered into a supplier’s credit agreement of US$80 million with Messrs. ELBIT Systems Land Ltd for the procurement of nineteen (19) Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and related defence systems,” he said.
He continued, “Mr Speaker, sadly, despite the disbursement of US$40 million to the supplier, the Ghana Army has not received a single APC.”
“In light of the significant payment already made and to prevent financial loss to the State, the Government has taken steps to renegotiate the existing agreement with the supplier, and it will be re-presented to Parliament for consideration,” he stated.
Also, Ato Forson announced that the government will commence the procurement of four helicopters and two aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.
Mr Forson stated, “The Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning in 2026, the Government of Ghana will initiate procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft. These are expected to be delivered within four years, provided the procurement is finalised in 2026”.
“In 2026, the government will procure two 72-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels equipped with helipads and combat systems. These vessels will enable the Navy to conduct long-endurance patrols, safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prevent maritime crimes, protect critical offshore infrastructure, and support bunkering and oil field security operations,” he noted.
Mr Forson disclosed that the government will renegotiate a US$80 million agreement signed on August 13, 2020, with Messrs.
According to him, the deal was for the procurement of 19 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and related defence systems.
Meanwhile, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, the ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has criticised the John Mahama government following its decision to buy a luxury helicopter instead of fighter jets for the military.
According to Ntim Fordjour, the government are buying a luxury helicopter to fly the President and ministers around.
He further quizzed what fighter jets the military is going to use as a fighting force.
Speaking after the 2026 budget presentation, Rev Ntim Fordjour stated, “The Military is a fighting force. Instead of buying military fighter jets, you are going to buy a luxury helicopter to fly your President and ministers around. What about the soldiers? What fighter jets are they going to use as a fighting force?
Instead of you to prioritise the urgent critical needs, you are rather prioritising what you will use to fly around”, he added.