Josep Borrell Fontelles handing over the symbolic keys to President Akufo-Addo after commissioning the vehicles
President Akufo-Addo has commissioned 105 military vehicles donated by the European Union (EU) as part of efforts to enhance the nation’s security and to counter terrorism.
The vehicles include 13 Land Cruiser pickups, 10 GM Sierra, Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Single Cabins, and Chevrolet Silverado Sierra pickups.
Other critical military hardware yet to be received are intelligence and surveillance gadgets, including military engineering stuff.
Others are explosive ordnance disposal gadgets, as well as electronic warfare systems, all of which are being expected in the coming months.
The vehicles were donated to the country upon a request by the President at the just-ended United Nations General Assembly. The President’s request was informed by the threat posed by the conflict and extremism in the Sahel, which is spilling over to the Gulf of Guinea and causing national security challenges to governments within the region.
Addressing the European Union delegation and members of Ghana’s security architecture, President Akufo-Addo said the recent terrorist attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin have posed a substantial security risk to peace and stability in the country.
The President further asserted that in the light of the expansion of terrorist groups from the Sahel to West Africa, it is imperative to understand that no country can confront the attacks alone. “Collaborative efforts among nations facing the challenge and with critical support from partners such as the EU are crucial in mitigating terrorist threats,” he said.
He commended the European Union for the donation of the 105 military vehicles, pointing out that it will play a pivotal role in the country’s effort to fortify its northern frontiers against terrorists.
“Ghana is committed to utilising these militarised vehicles for the agreed purpose which includes securing our northern frontiers against terrorism. Ghana stands ready to continue to collaborate with the European Union to safeguard our national security interests, particularly in the West African region,” he added.
Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of EU, Josep Borrell Fontelles, on his part, stated that the partnership between the EU and Ghana has moved from a strictly developmental partnership to a more political one fit to face current global challenges, such as climate change, and the fight against terrorism.
As the seventh contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Josep Borrell Fontelles said Ghana has a growing role in support of international peace and security.
He said following the appeal by the President on the need for international solidarity, the EU decided to donate the 105 vehicles as part of a € 20 million package of equipment to help reinforce the Ghana Armed Forces.
The donation comes on top of ongoing projects to reinforce border management and prevent local tensions, he added.
Continuing, he said that countering terrorism requires more than armoured vehicles and drones, adding, “Successful prevention requires improved service provision and job creation, especially for youth and women. Investment in socio-economic inclusion, in the Northern regions of Ghana in particular is key.”
Mr. Fontelles said a large proportion of its bilateral cooperation – € 203 million for 2021-2024 – is dedicated to those priorities as it is supporting Ghana in the promotion of sustainable growth, digital and green transition, climate resilience, and reinforcement of health and education systems.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke