President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a capable and resilient Ghana Armed Forces, even as the nation grapples with significant resource constraints and evolving security challenges across the sub-region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for officer cadets at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, January 30, 2026, President Mahama emphasized that the graduation of new officers symbolizes the government’s unwavering dedication to strengthening national defense and safeguarding the country’s security framework.
The President painted a sobering picture of West Africa’s security landscape, describing it as increasingly fragile.
Violent extremism, terrorism, and cross-border criminal networks continue to pose persistent threats, particularly along Ghana’s northern frontier, he warned.
Drawing attention to shifting global security dynamics, President Mahama highlighted the rising influence of non-state actors and their deployment of asymmetric warfare tactics.
These developments, he noted, necessitate a comprehensive and coordinated response that transcends conventional military approaches.
“National security cannot rest solely on the shoulders of our armed forces and security institutions,” the President declared. “It is a collective responsibility that demands active participation from citizens, local communities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.”