The European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission, His Excellency (HE) Josep Borrell Fontelles, has donated 105 Militarised Vehicles to Ghana on Saturday, 28 October 2023.

The donation, worth €20 million, was made at the forecourt of the Ministry of National Security in Accra and was financed by the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the internal and external efforts that Ghana makes towards the preservation of peace and stability.

HE Josep Borrel Fontelles acknowledged that the long-standing relationship between the EU and Ghana were built on shared values and common interests. To him, these values are designed to face the current global challenges, particularly, climate change and terrorism which are deemed to be threats to peace and stability. He revealed that the spill over of terrorist from the Sahel Regions of the Gulf of Guinea countries was a reality and needed a collective responsibility to curb such canker.

He averred that the equipment donated was part of ongoing projects towards border management and the prevention of local tension. He also stated that terrorism cannot be tackled with the use of only armoured vehicles, rather the root cause must be identified and dealt with in a more proactive manner.

HE Josep Fontelles suggested that improved service provision and job creation, especially, for youth and women as well as the investment in socio-economic inclusion in the Northern Region of Ghana was key to curbing the terrorism. He therefore, pledged the support of the EU in the promotion of sustainable growth and strengthening key sectors that are beneficial to both the EU and Ghana.

The President and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commended the President of the European Council, HE Charles Michel for his support. He acknowledged the Ministers of National Security, Defence, and Foreign Affairs for their negotiations with European partners which emphasized the need to boost Ghana’s capacity to protect its territory from terrorism.

He said attempts by terrorist and extremist groups to expand their scope of influence from the Sahel to Coastal West Africa were obvious adding that their actions pose substantial threat to the stability of Ghana. He referred to the recent occurrences of terrorist activities in neighbouring countries particularly in Burkina Faso, Togo and Benin and emphasized the need for Ghana to enhance counter terrorism measures.

The Minister of National Security, Honourable Albert Kan Dapaah appreciated the efforts and commitments of the government of Ghana in strengthening the bond between Ghana and EU.

He applauded the National Security Coordinator, Mr Edward Kwaku Asomani, Ghana’s Ambassador to Belgium and Permanent Representative to EU, Her Excellency Sena Siaw-Boateng, Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, Major General Peter Nicholas Andoh and the National Coordinator, Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia for their efforts.

The 105 Militarised Vehicles donated were Land Cruisers Pickups, GMC Sierra, Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Single Cubbins, Chevrolet Silverado and Sierra Pickups.