The United States (US) government has handed over three freightliner trucks to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to support their critical and construction missions.
The trucks, each valued at $214,000, were donated under the Africa Crisis Response Initiative, and would empower the GAF to move heavy machinery, road graders, backhoes, front-end loaders to wherever they were needed most.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, handed over the trucks to GAF last Thursday, at an impressive ceremony attended by officers of the military high command, defence civilian staff and US Embassy officials.
He explained that currently in Ghana, the GAF were hard at work on projects that would shape the nation’s future.
“From the Accra-Kumasi Expressway to new barracks construction and forward operating bases, the GAF is building the infrastructure that will support Ghana’s growth and security for generations to come. These trucks will be on the front lines of that effort, moving equipment, supporting engineers and getting the job done,” he explained.
He said when the GAF were equipped and empowered to do their jobs, it strengthened not just Ghana, but the entire international community.
He said Ghana had long been a beacon of democracy and stability in West Africa, and that the GAF had earned a reputation as one of the most professional and capable militaries on the continent.
That reputation, he pointed out, had been the result of hard work, discipline and a commitment to excellence, which he had witnessed during his stay in Ghana.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving in Ghana and witnessing the professionalism and dedication of the Ghana Armed Forces up close.
Whether it’s peacekeeping missions abroad, securing borders at home, or building the roads and facilities that connect communities, the GAF shows up with excellence every single time.
I’ve watched your engineers tackle complex projects with skill and determination.
And I’ve heard from communities across this country about the positive impact the GAF has on their lives, whether it’s through disaster relief, infrastructure development, or simply being a steady presence that people can count on,” he said.
Relationship
Touching on the relationship between Ghana and the US, Mr Olson said the US had benefitted enormously from the relationship, explaining that Ghana’s contributions to regional security, leadership in peacekeeping operations, commitment to democratic values had made the world safer and more stable for all.
“When Ghana succeeds, we all succeed. When the Ghana Armed Forces are equipped and empowered to do their jobs, it strengthens not just Ghana, but the entire international community,” he said.
Appreciation
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, who received the trucks on behalf of the GAF, expressed appreciation to the US government for its unwavering support to the GAF.
He said the donation had come at a time that GAF continued to play a critical role not only in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Ghana, but also in responding to humanitarian emergencies and support peacekeeping operations within the sub-region and across the world.
He announced plans by government to deploy forces to realign and rehabilitate polluted river bodies and also in partnership with the Gold Board, claim hundreds of acres of degraded forest reserves which were destroyed through illegal mining.
He urged the officers and soldiers to ensure the proper handling of the trucks, maintenance and effective utilisation so that the intended purpose would be fully realised.
The Commanding Officer of Engineer Training School, Lt. Col. Ampadu Banasco, explained that the challenges encountered in transporting equipment informed the decision in supporting the school with the three Freightliners, adding that, in January 2026, the school commenced its first basic heavy engineering equipment course which ended in May 2026.
