EU donates over 100 vehicles to enhance Ghana’s terrorism fight
By Fauzeeya JAMAL-DEEN, Accra
In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s counter-terrorism efforts, the European Union (EU) has donated over 100 militarized vehicles worth €20 million.
These vehicles, including Land Cruiser pickups, GMC Sierra, Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Single Cabins, Chevrolet Silverado, and Sierra pickups, will support Ghana’s defense and security efforts in the Sahel and West Africa regions.
The EU’s donation is part of a comprehensive package valued at €616 million, intended to enhance the capabilities of the Ghanaian Armed Forces and strengthen the defense and security of the coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea, which include Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
During the handover ceremony at the Ministry of National Security, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed the importance of these vehicles, especially given the rising influence of terrorist groups in West Africa.
He stated that these groups posed a significant security risk to Ghana, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance the country’s counter-terrorism measures.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that terrorist activities in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin underscore the need for Ghana to strengthen its security efforts. He also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in mitigating the terrorist threat in the West African region.
Expressing his appreciation to the EU for the donation, President Akufo-Addo assured that Ghana is committed to utilizing the vehicles to secure its borders effectively.
He noted that these vehicles would play a crucial role in fortifying Ghana’s northern frontiers against terrorism.
Furthermore, the President reiterated Ghana’s commitment to working closely with the European Union to safeguard its security interests, especially in the West African region.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borrell Fontelles, highlighted the evolving partnership between the EU and Ghana, transitioning from development-focused collaboration to addressing contemporary global challenges such as the fight against terrorism.
He praised Ghana’s role in ensuring regional stability and its contribution to international peace and security.
Fontelles also emphasized that counterterrorism efforts extend beyond providing armored vehicles and drones.
Successful prevention requires improved service provision and job creation, particularly for youth and women.
Socio-economic investments, particularly in Northern Ghana, are vital for countering terrorism.
In addition to the current donation, Fontelles revealed that further equipment, including aerial surveillance, electronic warfare systems, and river craft, would be delivered in the future to enhance Ghana’s security measures.
Albert Kan-Dapaah, the National Security Minister, expressed the government’s gratitude to the EU for its assistance in securing Ghana’s borders against terrorism.
He underlined the commitment of both Ghana and the EU to collaborate in safeguarding their security interests and promoting peace and stability in Ghana and West Africa.
