Ghana’s 2026 budget has set an ambitious agenda to modernise the nation’s defence forces and overhaul its health infrastructure, signalling what Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson described as a “decisive reset” for national security and public health.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, the Finance Minister announced a multi-sector retooling initiative that will see significant investments in the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force, alongside major expansions in healthcare delivery and infrastructure.
“Mr Speaker, for the Air Force, procurement will begin immediately in 2026 for four new helicopters and two aircraft to enhance airlift, patrol, and emergency response operations,” Dr Forson declared, drawing strong applause from members of the House.
The procurement forms part of a comprehensive defence modernisation programme that will also strengthen the Army and Navy to meet evolving security threats.
Dr Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping the military with the tools necessary to defend Ghana’s territorial integrity and support humanitarian operations.
For the Army, the government has renegotiated the $80 million Elbit Systems contract to secure 19 armoured personnel carriers to enhance ground combat readiness.
The Navy will acquire two 72-metre offshore patrol vessels, fitted with helipads and modern combat systems to protect Ghana’s maritime borders, offshore oil infrastructure, and trade routes.
“These ships will restore control over our exclusive economic zones and strengthen national resilience at sea,” he said.
The Minister also paid tribute to the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, acknowledging his vision in laying the foundation for Ghana’s ongoing Armed Forces retooling programme.
“This retooling agenda will transform Ghana’s Armed Forces into a modern, agile, and mission-ready defence force — worthy of our sovereignty and the sacrifice of our heroes,” Dr Forson emphasised.
In addition to the Armed Forces, the government will retool the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) with 100 fire tenders and advanced firefighting equipment, including high-rise fire systems, to enhance response to urban emergencies.
Transitioning to healthcare, Dr Forson outlined sweeping reforms under what he called the “Mahama Cares” health transformation agenda, anchored by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
He announced that in 2026, the government will:
- Begin construction of six new regional hospitals for the newly created regions — starting with three in 2026.
- Build two new district hospitals at Bole and Shaba.
- Complete ten Agenda 111 hospitals.
- Continue ongoing hospital projects, including La General Hospital, Effia Nkwanta, Komfo Anokye Maternity Block, and the Ashanti Regional Hospital at Sewua.
“These projects symbolise our commitment to restoring trust and confidence in public healthcare delivery,” Dr Forson said.
The government also plans to establish seven new hospitals focused on maternal and child health and to introduce a comprehensive Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Financing Policy under Mahama Cares.
This policy will define eligible conditions, essential medicines, and tariffs to ensure that Ghanaians suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease receive treatment without catastrophic out-of-pocket costs.
“Too many Ghanaians battling chronic diseases are forced to choose between life and livelihood. This budget ensures care for every Ghanaian, regardless of income or location,” he said.
Additionally, the government will build diagnostic and treatment centres across all major hospitals under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to provide access to modern diagnostic services nationwide.
Dr Forson described the 2026 Budget as one that blends security, health, and social equity, marking a new era of trust, modernisation, and national preparedness.
“No country can build lasting prosperity without a healthy population or a secure homeland,” he said.
“This budget is about both — protecting our people, healing our nation, and preparing Ghana for the challenges of tomorrow.”
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