The government of Ghana has received a total of 105 militarised vehicles from the European Union (EU) to support the nation’s protection efforts against insurgence in the Sahel Region.
The vehicles come on top of ongoing projects to reinforce border management and prevent local tensions.
The militarised vehicles are part of a 20-million-euro package of equipment to help reinforce the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The country is also expected to receive further equipment, notably for aerial surveillance, electronic warfare systems, and river craft.
A brief ceremony was held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 in Accra, where President Akufo-Addo received the 105 vehicles from the Vice President of the EU, Josef Borrell Frontelles.
President Akufo-Addo, in a brief remark, extended the appreciation of the nation to the EU and to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, “to whom I initiated conversations regarding enhanced cooperation between Ghana and the European Union.
“I wish to acknowledge the thorough work done by our Ministers for National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs, along with their hardworking staff; they have navigated through extended negotiations with our European partners to emphasize the urgent need to bolster Ghana’s capacity to protect its territory and its people from the growing threat of terrorism in the West African region,” he added.
Commissioning them for use by the GAF, President Akufo-Addo noted that the vehicles would play a pivotal role in Ghana’s efforts to fortify its northern frontiers against terrorism.
RISK
President Akufo-Addo observed that terrorists were expanding their coast at a much faster pace, adding that the need for Ghana to be vigilant and battle-ready could not be debated.
He acknowledged that the recent occurrences in Ghana’s neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso and Benin send a final warning to Ghana with regards to terrorist threats.
However, he indicated that “it is imperative to understand that no single country can confront the terrorist threats alone” and thus advocated collaboration amongst nations facing the challenge and support from partners.
LOBBY
The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, indicated that the commissioning of the vehicles was the outcome of negotiations and engagements with the EU, on the order of President Akufo-Addo’s mission set for him and other colleagues two years ago.
The President had tasked the Ministers of National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs to engage the EU in the nation’s collective quest to curb the southward expansion of terrorism and violent extremism from the Sahel Region to West Africa.
“Today, we come together to officially unveil a generous donation of 105 militarized vehicles provided by the European Union to support the counter-terrorism efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces,” he stated.
DETAILS
The vehicles include 13 Landcruiser pickups, 10 GMC Sierras, Toyota Landcruisers, Toyota Single Cabins, and Chevy Silverados.
INCLUSION
The Vice President of the EU, Josef Borrell Frontelles, who was in Accra over the weekend to make the donation, said in his remarks that “I am happy to hand over 105 armoured vehicles,” adding that Ghana was the right place within the regional bloc to receive those vehicles.
He, however, opined that countering terrorism required more than armoured vehicles and drones.
According to him, successful prevention required improved service provision and job creation, “especially for youth and women.”
He also called for investment for socio-economic inclusion in the northern regions of Ghana, adding that a large portion of the EU’s 203-million-euro bilateral cooperation for 2021–2024 was dedicated to those priorities.
