The United States has donated personal protective equipment designed for female military personnel to the Ghana Armed Forces. The handover ceremony took place in the wake of a recent accident that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, an event that Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson referenced in his remarks.
"I would first like to reiterate my deepest condolences in the aftermath of the terrible accident that occurred two weeks ago, and the loss of eight brave and valiant Ghanaians. The United States grieves with you during this difficult time. I attended the state funeral at Black Star Square last Friday, which I thought was a moving and dignified tribute to their gallant service. We also mourn the loss of our colleagues and friends," Olson said.
Olson highlighted Ghana’s longstanding role as one of the top contributors to international peacekeeping operations, noting that both male and female members of its armed forces have served globally. He mentioned Major General Gbetanu’s extensive peacekeeping experience and recognized two Ghanaian female peacekeepers who received top UN Military Honors in 2024 and 2025 for their work in Abyei with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.
"In their memory, I believe we should continue our walk together building a stronger partnership between our two countries. We are proud to support the Ghana Armed Forces through this donation of personal protective equipment specifically designed for female military personnel, which will assist in keeping your peacekeepers safe and prepared for whatever challenges come their way," Olson stated.
He described today’s handover as "a symbol of the trust and teamwork that our countries have built across decades of engagement." The donation fulfills a commitment made by the United States at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Accra in December 2023.
"At that time, the Governments of the Republic of Ghana, the Republic of Zambia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the United States of America signed the Women’s Body Armor Quadrilateral Pilot Project Statement of Intent. The Netherlands and the United States jointly funded the women’s body armor project for Ghana and Zambia to improve safety...for women taking part in UN peace keeping operations," Olson explained.
He emphasized that this gear is intended to help protect Ghanaian female soldiers as they serve on missions across West Africa and beyond. Olson also pointed out that proper fit is crucial: "Female soldiers wearing male PPE are neither fully comfortable nor, most importantly, fully protected."
According to Olson, over 40 members of Ghana's military have already been trained on how to use this new equipment properly; additional training sessions are planned.
"As AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John W. Brennan has noted: it’s good training that begets security...Security is tightly interlocked with prosperity and economic development," he said.
Olson reflected on broader U.S.-Ghana security cooperation through joint exercises such as African Lion and Flintlock as well as infrastructure projects like boats delivery or construction of training centers tailored for local needs.
"This donation...is one more example of how we are all in this together," he said. It follows previous U.S.-provided armored personnel carriers delivered earlier this year.
He concluded by recognizing ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts elsewhere on continent—such as recent talks supporting implementation of a June 27th peace agreement between Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) and Rwanda—and praised contributions from other partners including African Union and Qatar toward regional stability initiatives.
"In closing, today’s equipment donation is representative, symbolic, and fitting...Thank you for allowing us privilege being your partner in peace," Olson finished.