Dr. Ato Forson commissions Butler Barracks as he wraps up role as acting Defence Minister

Finance Minister and outgoing Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has commissioned a newly completed accommodation and office complex at Butler Barracks, reaffirming the government's commitment to improving the welfare, working conditions and operational readiness of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The commissioning formed part of Dr Forson's final official engagements as Acting Minister for Defence before handing over the portfolio following President John Dramani Mahama's recent ministerial reshuffle.

The newly commissioned facilities include infrastructure for the Central Ordnance Depot, the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band and the Armed Forces Music School.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Ato Forson said the Butler Barracks project demonstrated the government's determination to provide military personnel with modern facilities that support both their professional responsibilities and general welfare.

He said his one-year experience at the Ministry of Defence had given him a deeper understanding of the infrastructure challenges facing the Ghana Armed Forces and the importance of improving accommodation and working environments for personnel.

According to him, although government alone may not be able to address every infrastructure requirement of the Armed Forces, strategic partnerships with the private sector could help accelerate the development and delivery of critical military infrastructure.

Dr Forson said the Butler Barracks project was an example of what could be achieved when government institutions and private-sector partners worked together around a common national objective.

The newly commissioned Butler Barracks complex provides a range of modern facilities designed to improve the efficiency and welfare of military personnel.

The infrastructure includes accommodation facilities, administrative offices, classrooms, rehearsal halls and other welfare amenities.

The facilities are expected to provide a more conducive environment for personnel while supporting the operational and administrative functions of the units that will occupy them.

Dr Forson expressed particular satisfaction with the new Music Hall and Auditorium for the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band.

He said the facility was befitting of the band's important role in preserving Ghana's military traditions, supporting national ceremonies and promoting national pride.

The Ghana Armed Forces Central Band regularly plays an important ceremonial role at state functions and other major national events, making appropriate rehearsal and performance facilities an important component of military infrastructure.

The outgoing Acting Defence Minister said government would continue exploring innovative and sustainable approaches to improving infrastructure across the Ghana Armed Forces.

He said priority would be given to completing critical ongoing projects while ensuring that investments already made in the defence sector delivered long-term value.

Dr Forson also reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing the Afari Military Hospital, which remains an important project for improving healthcare delivery to military personnel and their families.

He said the government recognised the importance of providing members of the Armed Forces with access to quality healthcare alongside improved accommodation and working facilities.

Dr Ato Forson urged military personnel who would use the Butler Barracks facilities to develop and maintain a strong culture of maintenance.

He stressed that the newly commissioned infrastructure represented a significant national investment and should be protected against premature deterioration.

According to him, proper maintenance would ensure that the facilities remain functional and beneficial to successive generations of Ghana Armed Forces personnel.

He therefore encouraged the relevant authorities and users of the facilities to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure that it is properly maintained.

Dr Forson commended the Military High Command, officials of the Ministry of Defence, Messrs Unique Development Limited, the project team and other stakeholders whose contributions helped bring the Butler Barracks project to completion.

He said the successful delivery of the project demonstrated the value of collaboration between government and private-sector actors in addressing infrastructure needs within the defence sector.

The commissioning therefore marks an important addition to Ghana's military infrastructure and comes at a significant moment as Dr Forson concludes his additional responsibilities at the Ministry of Defence.

Dr Forson served as Acting Minister for Defence for approximately one year while simultaneously performing his substantive duties as Finance Minister.

He assumed the additional responsibility following the death of former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash of August 6, 2025.

President John Dramani Mahama has since reassigned the Works and Housing Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, to the Ministry of Defence as the substantive minister.

The change allows Dr Forson to return his full attention to the Ministry of Finance, where he continues to oversee the government's economic and fiscal policy agenda.

The Butler Barracks commissioning consequently serves as one of Dr Forson's final official engagements in his capacity as Acting Defence Minister, while also highlighting the government's stated focus on military welfare, infrastructure development and operational preparedness.