The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Ghana, with a renewed focus on military capacity building, maritime security, cyber defence, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Ghana, HE Rolf Olson, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister for Defence, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at The Square.
The engagement was aimed at reaffirming the longstanding Ghana-US bilateral defence and security partnership and exploring new opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Ghana Commends US Support for Ghana Armed Forces
Receiving the US delegation, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei expressed appreciation for the United States’ continued support for the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Minister highlighted American assistance in areas including logistics, institutional development and peacekeeping capacity, noting that the partnership has contributed to Ghana’s role as a reliable contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions and regional security initiatives.
Hon Adjei also stressed the importance of joint military engagements and operational cooperation between Ghana and US Forces.
According to the Defence Minister, joint exercises and training programmes have strengthened military interoperability, operational readiness and personnel resilience in response to emerging security threats.
Ghana and US Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation
The Defence Minister identified intelligence sharing and sustained security cooperation as critical tools in addressing regional threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and cross-border trafficking.
He commended the United States for its partnership with the Ghana Navy, particularly through the provision of Defender-class boats to improve Ghana’s maritime security capabilities.
The boats are expected to support maritime domain awareness, coastal patrols and the protection of important trade routes within Ghana’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect economic activities along the West African coast.
Ghana Seeks Greater Support for Cyber Defence and Technology
Looking ahead, Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei called for an expansion of bilateral defence assistance, particularly in technology transfer and cyber security.
He said greater access to modern defence technology would help Ghana respond more effectively to emerging security vulnerabilities and strengthen the country’s national security infrastructure.
The Defence Minister also expressed interest in the establishment of a specialised drone academy to improve surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across critical operational areas.
Such capabilities could enhance the ability of Ghana’s security agencies to monitor strategic locations and respond more effectively to evolving threats.
US Reaffirms Support for Ghana’s Security and Democratic Stability
Responding to the Defence Minister, US Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Defence and Ghana Armed Forces.
He assured the Ghanaian side that the United States would continue supporting Ghana’s efforts to maintain peace, democratic stability and strong security institutions.
According to Olson, continued investment in well-equipped security institutions and stronger multinational cooperation remains important to addressing regional security challenges.
Ghana-US Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Gulf of Guinea Security
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with ongoing joint military exercises, training programmes and personnel exchanges.
The two countries also pledged to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism capacity building and maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.
The latest engagement highlights the strategic importance of the Ghana-US defence partnership, particularly in addressing maritime threats, cyber security risks, transnational crime and other emerging security challenges affecting Ghana and the wider West African region.
Source: newsthemegh.com