The United States government has donated women’s body armour valued at over $1 million to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening women’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

The equipment, specifically designed for female personnel, was officially handed over in Accra by Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Gbentanu.

The ceremony underscored the importance of empowering female soldiers and enhancing their safety in international peacekeeping missions.

“The high-quality gear Ghana has received will help protect its remarkable female peacekeepers as they work to ensure security, stability, and prosperity in West Africa, across the continent, and around the world,” Mr. Olson said.

“As soldiers stand on the front lines defending our nations, their personal protection is paramount.

This equipment will safeguard Ghanaian soldiers, who, in turn, protect each and every one of us.”

The donation forms part of the Women’s Body Armour Quadrilateral Pilot Project, launched in 2023 by the governments of Ghana, Zambia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Jointly funded by the U.S. and the Netherlands, the initiative seeks to improve the safety and operational effectiveness of female soldiers, enabling them to play a more active role in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Chargé d’Affaires Olson also extended condolences to Ghana following the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of members of the armed forces.

“The United States is grieving with and stands behind the people of Ghana and the Ghanaian Armed Forces during this time. Today’s donation of women’s body armour is not only representative of our friendship and shared pursuit of peace but also a tribute to our late friends.

In their memory, we will continue our walk together, building a stronger partnership between our two countries,” he said.

Ghana is widely recognised for its distinguished contributions to global peacekeeping, with female personnel increasingly playing vital roles in missions across the world.