The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has announced government plans to construct 2,000 new housing units across the country to address longstanding accommodation challenges facing military personnel.
The CDS made the disclosure on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during the Ghana Armed Forces’ end-of-year non-denominational religious parade held at Burma Camp in Accra. The parade, which brought together officers and men of the Armed Forces, was held under the theme “Kept by the Power of God.”
According to Lt. Gen. Agyapong, about 700 of the housing units will be constructed in Accra, spread across five major garrisons, to help reduce the housing deficit, particularly in the capital where accommodation pressure remains high.
He explained that the housing initiative forms part of a broader, phased plan aimed at significantly improving living conditions for service personnel. Over the next five years, the government expects to add approximately 8,000 additional housing units nationwide, subject to the successful implementation of the programme.
“From next year, we anticipate a major improvement in our accommodation situation. If all goes according to plan, the next five years should see a substantial increase in housing stock to ensure our gallant men and women have decent and dignified places to live,” the CDS stated.
Beyond accommodation, Lt. Gen. Agyapong disclosed that the Armed Forces will undergo extensive retooling to strengthen operational capacity. Planned acquisitions include long-haul aircraft, helicopters, offshore patrol boats, armoured vehicles, and other critical military hardware.
He noted that additional investments will also be made in weapons systems, logistics vehicles, protective equipment, and ammunition to enhance readiness across all services.
Touching on issues of public communication, the CDS addressed claims circulating on social media suggesting that the government underpays Ghanaian troops deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions.
He dismissed the allegations as misleading and cautioned personnel and the public against accepting unverified information.
“Some viral videos create the impression that government receives huge sums for peacekeeping but gives very little to the soldiers. These claims are not factual. We must exercise discernment and avoid being misled by misinformation,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong further underscored the importance of accurate information flow within the military, warning that misinformation could undermine discipline, morale, and cohesion.
He urged officers and soldiers to verify information before sharing it, particularly on digital platforms, stressing that responsible communication is vital to operational effectiveness and public trust.
Reaffirming the commitment of GAF leadership to personnel welfare, the CDS indicated that the Armed Forces are also exploring ways to leverage internal expertise to embark on income-generating ventures that will support operations and welfare programmes.
He assured officers and men that the Ghana Armed Forces remains fully prepared to defend the country’s territorial integrity, adding that transparency, professionalism, and responsible conduct remain central to maintaining national security and public confidence.
The annual end-of-year religious parade serves as a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and unity for the Armed Forces, reinforcing shared values of discipline, service, and collective responsibility as the year draws to a close.
