Defence Minister calls for expanded EU support for GAF modernisation

The Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has called for expanded European Union (EU) support to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and to boost Ghana’s role in regional security.

He identified capacity building, comprehensive training, maritime surveillance, logistics, technology transfer, and technical and financial assistance as key areas for deeper Ghana-EU defence cooperation.

Mr Adjei made the call when the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rune Skinnebach, led a delegation on a courtesy call on him to discuss bilateral security and defence cooperation.

The Minister commended the EU for its continued support to the GAF, saying the assistance had contributed to building operational resilience.

He described the EU as an important partner in trade and security and expressed confidence that ongoing strategic engagements would further deepen relations and deliver practical support for Ghana’s defence priorities.

Mr Adjei stressed the need for stronger capacity building and joint security operations to address evolving and cross-border security threats. He also called for expanded cooperation in logistics, technology and maritime surveillance to support the modernisation of the GAF.

He further welcomed stronger trade relations with the EU and commended the Union for its humanitarian initiatives, noting that broader cooperation could contribute to peace, stability and national development.

H.E. Skinnebach reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a responsive partnership with Ghana and assured the Minister that the Union would provide targeted support aligned with Ghana’s priority areas.

He said the EU remained committed to supporting initiatives aimed at safeguarding peace and stability in Ghana and the wider region.