Ghana has borders with challenging regions that are not sufficiently controlled. There is pressure for better monitoring of borders and airspace to prevent illegal crossings, smuggling and possible security breaches. Militant Islamic groups operating in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali) pose a risk of potential spread of instability to neighboring areas. Ghana is increasingly perceived as vulnerable to infiltration or movement of these militant activities. This is related to the need for better border protection systems - radars, modern detection systems, modern aviation and transport capacities.

As a result, Ghana has lost part of its previous position on the Global Peace Index, which, in addition to the above, also reflects growing problems with crime, rural conflicts, land disputes, ethnic or national tensions. Illegal gold mining ("galamsey"), smuggling (especially gold), drugs, illegal trade, and environmental protection problems are other critical areas. Ghana established the GoldBod office and task force in 2025 to better regulate mining, export, and suppress gold smuggling, but lacks sufficient technical capacity to implement them.

Based on the above-mentioned needs of Ghana and the good bilateral cooperation to date, a number of specific opportunities arise for Czech producers:

Supplies of light combat / attack aircraft, multi-role transport and reconnaissance aircraft

Ghana is looking for light combat aircraft for training, transport, and reconnaissance. Czech products, e.g. with the L-39NG, L-410, can be very relevant, as well as other platforms to cover various levels - from basic reconnaissance to multi-role aircraft.

Radar systems and air surveillance / defense system

Supplies of ground radars, integrated surveillance systems, C2 interconnection system. Czech companies can also offer long-term service contracts, operator training.

Drones / UAVs for reconnaissance and monitoring

Smaller unmanned systems for border surveillance, for monitoring environmental problems (illegal mining), for early warning, search missions. Czech companies that specialize in UAVs and their software can be very welcome partners.

Training and technical education

Czech training of pilots, avionics technicians, training in air navigation, tactics, service management, aircraft maintenance, simulators. Modernization of the aviation college (Aviation College) offers opportunities for partnership or equipment.

Maintenance, repair and life cycle of aircraft (MRO – Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul)

Czech industrial capacities can offer machine repairs, conversions, avionics/engine upgrades, maintenance training, spare parts supplies. Long-term sustainable support is key.

Service and infrastructure

Construction or modernization of bases, hangars, logistics centers, suitable facilities for the air force, parts warehouses, fuel stations, etc.

Development of systems for interoperability and integration

Systems for connecting the air force, army, coast guard, immigration services - information sharing, command and control, crisis response. Czech software, command & control systems can also be offered.

Modernization of personnel and infrastructure: Need for training, modern aviation schools (Aviation College), better accommodation, logistical support for the air force, infrastructure such as airports and air bases.

 

The Ghanaian side is interested in active cooperation with the Czech Republic, as evidenced by the repeated participation of representatives of the Ghanaian Air Force in the regular Future Air Force 2025 conference and NATO Days 2025, who visited these showcases of the Czech security and defense industry as part of the project to support economic diplomacy (PROPED) on September 16-21, 2025, where they had the opportunity to personally familiarize themselves with most of the above-mentioned solutions for their challenges.

This was an ideal opportunity for Czech companies to offer Ghanaian partners options that are economically realistic, ready for operation in Ghanaian conditions, modular, with long-term service support. Anyone who can offer reliable air platforms, service solutions, training and integration, not only in the field of air but also ground defense, has a chance for significant contracts not only in Ghana, but also in neighboring countries.

 

 

Written by: Beata Matusiková, economic diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ghana