Good morning. I'm delighted to be here to mark another milestone in the United States and Ghana relationship. The United States continues to be proud to provide the finest equipment available to the Ghana Armed Forces. These 14 armored personnel carriers are the latest example of how working together strengthens both Ghana and the United States.
Today's handover of armored personnel carriers is more than a transfer of military equipment. It symbolizes the values, cooperation, and mutual respect that define our decades-long relationship. This equipment—valued at over 6 million U.S. dollars—supports the GAF's mission of ensuring peace and border integrity. This makes both Ghana and the United States safer.
Let me give you a few details on these APCs. This model – the Puma – is made in the United States by OTT, a South African firm. This design first came into US Army service in 2007 in Afghanistan and since then, US companies have produced more than 25,000 APCs like the ones here.
These APCs require a special training course for both drivers and maintenance personnel – and the United States is providing that training as well. We have already trained 40 GAF soldiers who completed a four-week course covering maneuvering techniques, safety, basic and emergency maintenance requirements. These vehicles are built tough but to help keep them in good condition, expect additional training in the months to come to sharpen those driving skills. Our own combat experiences highlighted the unique safety features of the APC but also demonstrated that unsafe handling can lead to accidents, and improper maintenance can hinder readiness.
During my three-year tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, I have seen the extent of our security cooperation including training and joint military exercises – such as Ghana's hosting of Flintlock in 2023 and 2024 – and the provision of needed equipment. The United States and Ghana co-hosted continent-wide summits for the leaders of Africa's maritime forces, in 2024, and just last month, April 2025, for Africa's land forces. Last year I handed over boats and a boat storage facility in Sogakope, a skills training house in Daboya, and now today's handover of APCs.
Another example of how the U.S. and Ghana work best when we work together is in the Northern Region. The U.S. Army is working alongside the GAF delivering healthcare to underserved communities in Kumbungu District. This medical civil action program – a MEDCAP in military speak – is one component of Ghana's participation in African Lion 25 – which also includes a Medical Readiness Exercise and academic curriculum. For the fourth consecutive year, Ghana is participating and hosting an element of African Lion, and this year is joined by forces from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
In a world facing complex security challenges, no country can go it alone as General Gbetanu rightly noted last month at the African Land Forces Summit: "Security challenges are too complex."
Ghana is an exporter of peace: "Wherever they are needed," he continued,"the GAF answer(s)the call." Peace Operations border security or responding to natural disasters: "The GAF are always up to challenge."Ghanaian service women & men have proven time again they stand ready serve with honor distinction."
Throughout my time in Ghana,"I have enjoyed working directly with GAF."You epitomize professionalism best."Ghana will always hold special place heart.""Thank you."
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