President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has cut the sod for the construction of 2,000 housing units for the Ghana Armed Forces.

The project forms Phase One of a 10,000-unit housing initiative to be implemented over the next five years through a partnership between the Defence Industrial Holding Company and FT Global.

The sod-cutting ceremony took place during the 2025 West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASSA) at the Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp in Accra.

WASA is an annual event that brings members of the security services together to take a break from their busy schedules, interact and appreciate one another.

President Mahama said accommodation remained one of the most pressing challenges confronting the Armed Forces, with a current housing deficit estimated at 14,000 units.

He said the Government welcomed initiatives such as the partnership between the Defence Industrial Holding Company and FT Global, which would help address the long-standing accommodation gap.

“This project, together with the Barracks Regeneration Programme, reflects our commitment to improving living conditions for service personnel and their families,” he said.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I remain resolute in my commitment to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces are fully resourced and positioned to serve Ghana, our sub-region, Africa and the rest of the world with distinction,” he added.

“I therefore urge all officers, soldiers and defence civilian staff to remain disciplined professionals and loyal in the pursuit of this noble profession.”

President Mahama said he had also held discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff on ways to increase the internally generated funds of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He explained that discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Roads and the Ministry of Finance to enable the 48th Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Army to participate in the Government’s Big Push Infrastructure Development Projects being implemented across the country.

“We shall allocate some of the drip equipment that was imported under the last administration to the 48th Engineer Regiment so that you can also participate in road construction and earn money for the Armed Forces.”

The President commended the winners of the Chief of Defence Staff Prize essay competition and thanked the organisers, sponsors and partners who made WASA 2025 a success.

The Commander-in-Chief also congratulated Corporal Jeremy Nii Lartey for his outstanding victory in the World Boxing Authority (WBA) Africa Super Lightweight category, describing the achievement as a source of pride to both the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation.

“I commend him on his promotion, and I personally was at the ringside. He really gave the Filipino a bad beating.”

President Mahama further congratulated all personnel decorated at the event, giving special recognition to Leading Seaman Akutor Sarah Precious of the Ghana Navy for her remarkable three-kilometre open-water swim to raise awareness and funds for children with special needs.

“Her courage and selflessness exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces, and I congratulate her on her promotion.”