The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has announced major welfare-focused transformation initiatives for the Ghana Armed Forces, including the construction of about 2,000 new accommodation units across formations nationwide, with a long-term target of over 8,000 units within the next five years. The announcement was made during the Ghana Armed Forces End-of-Year Religious Parade held on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at the Burma Hall.

The CDS also disclosed plans for the acquisition of aircraft, offshore patrol boats, armoured personnel carriers, and other critical weapons and equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remains responsive to its constitutional mandate.

The End-of-Year Religious Parade was held under the theme “Kept by the Power of God” (1 Peter 1:5) and served as a collective act of thanksgiving and reflection on the spiritual dimension of military service, reaffirming the role of faith, gratitude, and moral grounding in sustaining discipline, integrity, and resilience within the Armed Forces. In his sermon, the Director-General of Religious Affairs, Brigadier General Benjamin Kumi-Wood, urged officers and men to continually praise and thank God, describing Him as an unfailing guide and protector who can be relied upon when human strength fails. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the Ghana Armed Forces during the year, he encouraged personnel to keep their faith in God, who does not allow His people to face trials beyond their capacity to overcome. He further called for continued support for God’s work and assured the congregation that the coming year would be better.

Complementing the Christian message, the Imam delivered an exhortation on divine protection through angels, urging officers and men to pray, submit to God in faith, and live obedient lives, trusting in divine guidance and protection in the discharge of their duties. Intercessory prayers were offered for pensioners, peacekeepers, the sick, the Ghana Armed Forces, and for peace and progress in the nation.

In his remarks, Lieutenant General Agyapong expressed his joy at worshipping with officers, soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff, and thanked God for seeing the Ghana Armed Forces through a successful year. He solemnly remembered the gallant fallen heroes of the helicopter crash and potential recruits who lost their lives during the recruitment exercise, extending heartfelt condolences to their families. A minute of silence was observed in their honour.

The CDS commended officers, soldiers, Defence Civilian Staff, and all personnel for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitude, urging them to sustain these efforts to further strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces. He cautioned personnel to verify information before sharing, to prevent misinformation that could tarnish the image of the Armed Forces.

Lieutenant General Agyapong praised the Department of Religious Affairs for its consistent spiritual support throughout the year and encouraged continued support for the Department’s ongoing construction project. He concluded by extending warm Christmas and New Year greetings on behalf of himself, the President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Vice President and Chairperson of the Defence Council, the Acting Minister for Defence, the Deputy Minister for Defence, and the Government of Ghana.