Feature by Christiana Afua Nyarko,
Accra, March 8, GNA - The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), traditionally tasked with safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, has steadily become an essential partner in national development.
While its primary role is national defence, the military’s contributions extend into various sectors, including infrastructure, disaster relief, civic engagement, and peacekeeping operations.
Notably, GAF has been instrumental in the construction of key national infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
The military’s engineering units have partnered with the Ministry of Roads and Highways on several notable projects, including the reconstruction of the Awaso-Takoradi bauxite corridor and roadworks along the Accra–Kumasi expressway.
These initiatives highlight the military’s expertise in large-scale infrastructural development, demonstrating its significant role in national transformation.
Previously, the GAF’s engineering regiments assisted in building and rehabilitating steel bridges across rural areas, improving access to vital services and enhancing economic activities.
The GAF has also proven to be a reliable force during national disasters and emergencies. In the past, military personnel have been deployed to rescue stranded residents during floods in northern Ghana and assist in the restoration of access routes.
In the wake of industrial accidents, such as the 2017 gas explosion at Atomic Junction and the 2022 Appiatse explosion, GAF engineers contributed to medical evacuations and reconstruction efforts.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan aptly stated, a disciplined military plays a “critical role in humanitarian response when civilian institutions are overwhelmed,” which has been evident in the Ghanaian military’s actions during national crises.
The GAF’s humanitarian outreach extends beyond Ghana’s borders.
In 2025, a contingent of military engineers was sent to Jamaica to assist in rebuilding infrastructure after Hurricane Melissa, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to global solidarity. These international deployments further elevate the country’s image as a force for good in the global humanitarian landscape.
The GAF also plays a crucial role in community development, supporting the construction of schools, clinics, and other community facilities. Military units have organised medical outreaches and provided essential resources such as water during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, military establishments often serve as community hubs, with institutions such as those in Burma Camp, Accra, supporting both military and civilian families.
President John Dramani Mahama has previously emphasised that “A professional military is not only a shield for the nation but also a partner in development.”
The economic impact of the armed forces extends further through collaboration with the Ghana National Service Scheme.
Military professionals contribute their technical expertise to national projects, including engineering, logistics, and disaster management.
The renovation of portions of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital by the Ghana Navy during its 60th anniversary celebrations is one such example of the GAF’s commitment to national service.
On the international stage, Ghana has built a strong reputation for its peacekeeping contributions.
Since the 1960s, Ghanaian troops have served in various peacekeeping missions across Africa, including in countries such as Lebanon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.
Ghana’s professionalism has earned it global recognition, with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling the country “one of the pillars of UN peacekeeping in Africa.”
These missions not only contribute to global peace but also generate foreign revenue and enhance Ghana’s diplomatic standing in international conflict resolution.
In addition to these areas, the GAF continues to support national development through environmental protection initiatives, anti-illegal mining campaigns, border security operations, and infrastructure projects in emerging regions.
Military-owned facilities, such as the El Wak Stadium, also contribute to sports development and public events, reinforcing the armed forces' civic role.
Security experts often assert that Ghana’s democratic stability is strengthened by a military that embraces a broader mandate, balancing its constitutional responsibility with developmental contributions.
The GAF’s story is not only one of defence but of development, resilience, and service.
Its involvement in infrastructure projects, disaster response, peacekeeping, and community development showcases the military’s ability to protect and build, demonstrating the true power of diversification.
As Ghana celebrates its national progress, the words of its founding father, President Kwame Nkrumah, resonate: “The forces that defend the nation must also serve the nation.”
In this enduring spirit, the GAF remains not only protectors of sovereignty but also architects of national development.
GNA
8 March 2026
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