The United States government has donated 14 mine-resistant, ambush-protected armored personnel carriers (APCs) valued at over $6 million to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The official handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at Burma Camp in Accra, symbolizing the deepening of the U.S.-Ghana security partnership.
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, emphasized the significance of the donation, stating, “This gesture is more than a transfer of military equipment, it symbolizes values, cooperation, and the deeply held mutual respect that defines the decades-long relationship between the U.S. and Ghana.”
She expressed optimism that the vehicles would enhance Ghana’s security efforts, particularly along its northern border.
The donated APCs, specifically Puma M36 vehicles, are designed for enhanced troop protection and mobility. They are expected to significantly strengthen the operational readiness of the GAF in counter-terrorism and border security operations.
Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, expressed profound appreciation to the U.S. government for the donation, describing it as both generous and strategic.
“This occasion is not just a symbol of the enduring partnership between our two countries; it is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to peace, stability, and security within Ghana and across the West African sub-region,” he stated.
Over 40 Ghanaian soldiers have undergone comprehensive training in operating and maintaining the APCs over the past four weeks. The donation is part of a broader commitment that includes continued training and joint operations between the U.S. and Ghana.
The U.S. government has provided various forms of logistical and operational support to the GAF over the years, including boats, mobile field hospitals, and infrastructure to enhance Ghana’s defense capacity.
This donation coincides with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marking the end of World War II in Europe, underscoring the U.S.’s continued commitment to global peace and security.