The government of the United States has provided 14 mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored personnel carriers (APCs) valued at over $6 million to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), a gesture anticipated to significantly bolster the nation’s counter-terrorism and border security efforts.
The formal handover ceremony was held at Burma Camp in Accra, which both countries characterized as a strengthening of their bilateral defence collaboration and longstanding security relationship.
The Puma M36 vehicles are engineered to enhance troop safety and mobility in high-risk situations, thereby improving Ghana’s readiness to address emerging security challenges and protect its territorial integrity.
Over the past month, more than 40 Ghanaian soldiers have undergone specialized training on the operation and maintenance of these vehicles.
During the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Virginia Palmer, referred to the donation as a testament to the enduring partnership founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to peace and stability.
Ambassador Palmer remarked that these APCs bolster the GAF’s objective of maintaining peace and safeguarding border integrity, thereby enhancing the safety of both Ghana and the United States. She emphasized that they are part of a larger commitment that encompasses ongoing training and collaborative operations.
Furthermore, she commended Ghana’s leadership in regional security, especially along its northern borders, and underscored its significant contributions to multinational peacekeeping missions, including operations like Flintlock and African Lion.
The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, conveyed profound appreciation to the U.S. government, describing the donation as both generous and strategic.
This event serves not only as a representation of the lasting alliance between our two nations but also as a concrete demonstration of our mutual dedication to fostering peace, stability, and security in Ghana and throughout the West African region,” stated Dr. Boamah.
He praised the professionalism exhibited by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and urged the personnel to maintain a renewed commitment to their duties and responsibilities in fulfilling their mission.
The ceremony was graced by high-ranking military officials, delegates from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and members of the diplomatic corps.
Coinciding with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which commemorates the conclusion of World War II in Europe, the event underscored the global importance of security collaboration.
This donation contributes to the expanding list of U.S. military assistance to Ghana in recent years, which encompasses the provision of patrol boats, mobile field hospitals, and essential infrastructure aimed at strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
