A contingent of 40 personnel from the Ghana Army’s 15 Armoured Brigade and the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps has completed a four-week orientation training program focused on the operation and maintenance of the newly acquired Puma M36 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Armoured Personnel Carriers.
The rigorous training concluded on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the headquarters of the 153 Armoured Regiment located at Burma Camp, Accra. This program was facilitated by the Virginia-based defense contractor AMENTUM and coordinated through the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana.
The closing ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Gah, Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, who served as the guest of honor. He commended the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to disseminate the training throughout the ranks.
The training program encompassed both theoretical and practical components, addressing a diverse array of subjects including vehicle identification, familiarization with interior and exterior components, operational guidelines, safety protocols, turret and gun port management, and driving in various terrains such as sand, mud, and rocky slopes.
Participants engaged in hands-on lessons on servicing and maintaining the Puma M36 MK 6-275 4×4, culminating in a field training exercise designed to reinforce their understanding.
Lieutenant Colonel David Kwesi Korsah, Commanding Officer of the 153 Armoured Regiment, expressed assurance in the trainees’ preparedness to operate and maintain these advanced vehicles. He also praised AMENTUM for maintaining high training standards and fostering a renewed sense of responsibility among the soldiers.
During the event, Lt Col Paul Corbitt, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, discussed the historical development of military transport vehicles, noting that earlier models like the Humvee, which were used in Afghanistan, faced vulnerabilities due to their low clearance and instability on uneven terrain.
AMENTUM representatives indicated that the course is specifically designed for seasoned drivers, providing them with the technical expertise necessary to navigate challenging terrains and operate the Puma’s sophisticated systems, including axle and differential locks, turret controls, and dashboard indicators.
The Puma M36 features enhancements not typically found in standard trucks, such as deep axle locks and in-cabin checks for engine and gearbox oil levels, which are anticipated to enhance the Ghana Armed Forces’ mobility and effectiveness in peacekeeping and internal security missions.
AMENTUM, a prominent defense contractor in the United States, operates throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing countries such as Chad, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso.
Additionally, the closing ceremony was attended by Colonel Ekow Nkrane Mensah-Yawson, the Deputy Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, along with Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ackerson, the Deputy Director of Plans at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces.
