Madam Virginia Palmer, and Dr Edward Omane Boamah on the red carpet
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, which took place on Wednesday at Burma Camp in Accra, symbolized the deepening of the U.S.-Ghana security partnership and demonstrated the bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
The Puma M36 vehicles, designed for enhanced troop protection and mobility, are expected to significantly strengthen the operational readiness of the GAF, particularly in counter-terrorism and border security operations.
The APCs are intended to boost the country’s capacity to respond to emerging threats and safeguard its territorial integrity.
More than 40 Ghanaian soldiers have undergone comprehensive training in operating and maintaining the APCs over the past four weeks.
Madam Virginia Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, who led the American delegation at the brief ceremony, said the gesture was more than a transfer of military equipment, it symbolized values, cooperation, and the deeply held mutual respect that defines the decades-long relationship between the U.S. and Ghana.
Ambassador Palmer noted the important role Ghana plays in regional security, particularly along its northern border, and expressed optimism that the vehicles would enhance the country’s security efforts.
She added that Ghana’s contributions to peacekeeping missions and multinational military exercises, such as Flintlock and African Lion, underscore its position as a reliable partner in advancing global peace and stability.
“These APCs support the GAF’s mission of ensuring peace and border integrity, which makes both Ghana and the United States safer,” she remarked, adding that, “They are part of a broader commitment that includes continued training and joint operations.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, expressed profound appreciation to the U.S. government for the donation, describing it as both generous and strategic.
He stated, “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.”
The Minister also praised the professionalism of the Ghana Armed Forces, urging them to carry out their duties with renewed confidence and a heightened sense of responsibility.
Over the years, the U.S. government has provided various forms of logistical and operational support to the GAF, including boats, mobile field hospitals, and infrastructure to enhance Ghana’s defense capacity.
The event was attended by senior Ghanaian military officials, representatives of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and members of the diplomatic community.
The donation coincided with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which marks the end of World War II in Europe, a symbolic alignment underscoring the U.S.’s continued commitment to global peace and security.