US donates $6m armoured vehicles to boost Ghana’s defence capabilities

The United States government has donated 14 mine-resistant, ambush-protected armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Ghana Armed Forces. The donation is valued at over $6 million. It aims to enhance Ghana’s counter-terrorism and border security operations.

The official handover ceremony occurred at Burma Camp in Accra. Both nations view this as a strengthening of their defence cooperation and security ties.

The Puma M36 vehicles provide better troop protection and mobility in high-risk areas. This boosts Ghana’s readiness to respond to security threats and protect its borders.

Over the past four weeks, more than 40 Ghanaian soldiers received specialized training on these vehicles' operation and maintenance.

At the event, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Virginia Palmer, spoke about the donation. She called it a symbol of enduring partnership based on shared values and mutual respect.

Ambassador Palmer stated that these APCs support the GAF’s mission for peace and border integrity. She emphasized that they make both Ghana and the United States safer.

She noted that this donation is part of a broader commitment involving continued training and joint operations. The ambassador praised Ghana’s leadership in regional security efforts.

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its “generous and strategic” donation. He described the occasion as a tangible expression of shared commitment to peace and stability.

Dr Boamah commended GAF's professionalism and urged personnel to uphold their duty responsibly while executing their mission.

Senior military officers, representatives from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and diplomats attended the ceremony. The event coincided with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), highlighting global security cooperation's significance.

This donation adds to previous U.S. military support for Ghana, which includes patrol boats, mobile field hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements for defense systems.