By Rachel Kakraba
The United States has handed over military equipment worth $4 million to Ghana to support the country’s security operations. The items highlight the deepening US-Ghana security partnership and shared commitment to regional stability.
The medical supplies, drones, radar systems and training materials will support three key arms of Ghana’s defence establishment: the Ghana Army, the Ghana Navy and the country’s intelligence services.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony in Accra, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, said the gesture is an investment in Ghana’s sovereignty in regional stability and in bilateral relations.
Mr. Olson commended the country for being a long-standing model of democratic governance and security cooperation on the Continent.
“This equipment is an investment in Ghana’s sovereignty, in regional stability, and in a bilateral relationship that has spanned generations. Ghana has long been a model of democratic governance and security cooperation on this continent, and the United States is proud to stand with you”
He added, “the United States is proud of our decades-long partnership with Ghana, rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to benefit both the American and the Ghanaian people”
He was hopeful the items will contribute to a shared fight against threats from transnational terrorism and maritime insecurity to building a safer West Africa.
“security cooperation is never just about hardware, it is about countries coming together against shared threats, from transnational terrorism to maritime insecurity, and working side by side to build a safer West Africa”
The Ghana Army
The items for the Ghana Army included medical equipment such as gloves, face shields, goggles, and tourniquets for training and in the field. Other items include flashlight mounts, compasses, protective gear for the elbows and knees, GPS devices, night-vision goggles, unmanned aerial systems, radios and spare parts.
Mr. Olson was confident the donation would support the Ghana Army in delivering on its mandate.
“Together, these tools will sharpen the Army’s ability to train, operate safely, and respond effectively whatever the mission demands”
The Ghana Navy
Mr. Olson, was hopeful the items presented will cover all thefive Maritime Operations Centers along Ghana’s coast. The items included Radar systems, radios, antennas, and monitoring he stated will strengthen Ghana’s ability to watch its waters, protecting fisheries, deterring piracy and illegal, unpermitted and unregulated fishing and securing the maritime domain of the country.
He further added “For the Special Boat Squadron, we are proud to provide body armor and boarding equipment tools that will protect those sailors who put themselves in harm’s way to keep Ghana’s waters safe”
Ghana’s intelligence services
Mr. Olson, said presentation to Ghana’s intelligence services reflects an investment not just in equipment, but in knowledge.
“An intelligence library, tablets, and computers loaded with resources will help develop the next generation of Ghanaian intelligence professionals. Office supplies will support the “train-the-trainer” model ensuring that today’s expertise becomes tomorrow’s institutional strength”
Mr. Olson, thanked the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces for the partnership and commitment to protecting the nation.
“I hope every soldier, sailor, and intelligence officer who uses this equipment understands what it represents: the confidence the United States places in Ghana, and our shared determination to build a more secure future together”
He was hopeful the equipment will serve Ghana well while deepening the USA- Ghana partnership for generations.
GAF hails US support
Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Gideon Livinus Bessing, receiving the items, recognized the United States of America as a dependable partner in the Ghana Armed Forces’ capacity-building efforts, providing training, technical assistance, and equipment support. He said the handing over of the equipment will enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces in border security, intelligence, training, reconnaissance and maritime security.
He said the gesture will not only bolster intelligence-gathering but also a testament to the commitment of the USA to the stability and security within Ghana, West Africa and the continent at large.
“It will increase the effectiveness of our counter-terrorism and internal security operations. I must emphasize that these assets are not solely for national defense but also serve as instruments of regional peace and global solidarity”
Rear Admiral Bessing, assured that the items will be deployed responsibly to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country.
Conclusion
The handing over of the $4 million military equipment is expected to improve Ghana’s operational effectiveness and reinforce the enduring partnership between Ghana and the United States for years to come.
Source: gbcghanaonline.com