The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says a fresh consignment of military equipment donated by the United States will significantly enhance its counter-terrorism operations, intelligence gathering and border security capabilities.

Speaking at a ceremony to receive 84 pallets of assorted military equipment from the United States Embassy on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, described the donation as a major boost to the armed forces' operational readiness.

He said the equipment would strengthen Ghana's ability to protect its borders and maritime domain while improving intelligence, reconnaissance and training.

"The sophisticated equipment will not only bolster our intelligence-gathering efforts but also equip our troops and enhance training for the protection of our borders and maritime assets. Furthermore, it will increase the effectiveness of our counter-terrorism and internal security operations," Rear Admiral Bessing said.

He noted that the equipment would serve not only Ghana's national defence interests but also contribute to regional peace and security across West Africa.

The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed gratitude to the government and people of the United States, describing the donation as a demonstration of the strong and enduring defence partnership between the two countries.

He said the United States had consistently supported the Ghana Armed Forces through training, technical assistance and equipment over the years, adding that the latest donation marked another milestone in that cooperation.

Rear Admiral Bessing assured the United States that the Ghana Armed Forces would deploy the equipment responsibly and effectively in line with its constitutional mandate to safeguard Ghana's territorial integrity.

The military equipment is intended to enhance the Ghana Armed Forces' capabilities in border security, intelligence, reconnaissance, maritime security and training development.

The handover ceremony was attended by the United States Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Rolf Olson, senior military officers, officials from the United States Military Group, representatives of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), and other invited guests.

See the entire statement below:

WELCOME ADDRESS BY CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF ON THE OCCASION OF THE HANDING OVER OF QUANTITY EIGHTY- FOUR (84) PALLETS OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT BY THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE GHANA ARMED FORCES ON WEDNESDAY 22 JULY 2026

The Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United States, Mr. Rolf Olson, and entourage,

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Policy,

Directors-General from the General Headquarters;

Senior Officers, Officers, Soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Members of the United States Military Group,

Members of the Press,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Military High Command, Officers, Soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, I warmly welcome you all to this brief yet significant ceremony marking the handing over of eighty-four (84) pallets of assorted military equipment to the Ghana Armed Forces, by the kind courtesy of the Government and People of the United States of America.

Again, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. the President of the Republic John Dramani Mahama, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Government and People of the United States of America for this generous and strategic gesture. The equipment intended to enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces in the areas of border security, intelligence structure and training development reconnaissance, and maritime security, stands as a testament to the commitment of the Government of the United States of America to peace, stability. and security within Ghana, across the West African sub-region, and the continent at large.

The Charge d'Affaires, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this generous donation will significantly strengthen the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces. The sophisticated equipment will not only bolster our intelligence-gathering efforts but also equip our troops and enhance training for the protection of our borders and maritime assets. Furthermore, it wlill increase the effectiveness of our counter-terrorism and internal security operations. I must emphasise that these assets are not solely for national defence but also serve as instruments of regional peace and global solidarity.

This occasion is not merely symbolic of the enduring partnership between our two countries; it is also a tangible expression of our shared commitment to the maintenance of global peace and security 

Over the years, the United States has remained a dependable partner in the Ghana Armed Forces' capacity-building efforts, providing training, technical assistance, and equipment support Today's handing over marks yet another milestone in our enduring defence cooperation, and we deeply appreciate your continued support.

wish to assure vou that the Ghana Armed Forces will deploy these assets responsibly and effectively, in line with our mandate to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country.

To our partners from the United States Embassy and the Unitec States Africa Command (AFRICOM), we extend our sincere gratitude. Your partnership and trust mean a great deal to us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, I warmly welcome you to this ceremony.

Thank you, and may God bless us all.

CNS - Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing