Ghana, Austria discuss measures to enhance GAF operational readiness

Ghana and Austria have discussed strengthening defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on logistics, equipment modernisation, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to enhance the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The discussions took place when the Austrian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Defence, Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, to explore avenues for strategic cooperation and capacity-building initiatives.

The meeting also focused on emerging security dynamics in West Africa and the Sahel, with both sides emphasising the need for coordinated approaches and stronger partnerships to promote regional stability.

The Minister said the changing nature of transnational security threats required robust multilateral cooperation and concerted efforts across both maritime and terrestrial domains.

He expressed appreciation for Austria’s technical support to Ghana, particularly in defence management, cybersecurity and specialised canine handling.

Mr Adjei said Ghana was committed to building a modern and resilient military force and therefore appealed for expanded Austrian assistance in logistics support, equipment modernisation, heavy machinery training and tactical exchange programmes.

He also assured the Austrian delegation that the Ministry of Defence would expedite the processes required to sign and ratify a formal defence cooperation agreement between Ghana and Austria.

Ambassador Heissel, for his part, commended Ghana’s sustained democratic peace and reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and defence collaboration.

He noted that the Austrian Armed Forces had provided highly trained military working dogs to the GAF to support efforts to counter asymmetric threats, secure border communities and protect critical national infrastructure.

The Ambassador said Austria remained open to facilitating deeper partnerships through its sister agencies to support the retooling of the GAF and advance its operational readiness.