U.S. Contributes $1 Million in Body Armor to Enhance Ghana Armed Forces’ Peacekeeping Capabilities

The United States government has donated women’s body armour valued at over $1 million to the Ghana Armed Forces, underscoring its commitment to advancing women’s participation in peacekeeping missions.

Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson joined the Ghana Armed Forces’ Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Gbentanu, to officially hand over the personal protective equipment during a ceremony that highlighted the importance of empowering female peacekeepers.

The protective gear specifically designed for female military personnel reflects the United States’ ongoing support for Ghana’s peacekeeping contributions and its recognition of the Ghana Armed Forces’ distinguished record in global peacekeeping efforts.

“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 African continent, and around the world.

“As soldiers stand on the front lines defending our nations, their protection is paramount. This equipment will safeguard Ghanaian soldiers, who, in turn, protect each one of us,” said Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson.

This donation is part of the Women’s Body Armour Quadrilateral Pilot Project, a collaborative initiative launched in 2023 by the Governments of Ghana, Zambia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

The project, jointly funded by the Netherlands and the United States, aims to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of female military personnel in Ghana and Zambia, enabling them to play a more meaningful role in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Chargé d’Affaires Olson also expressed condolences following the recent helicopter crash involving members of the Ghana 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 by the United States is representative of our friendship, symbolic of our shared pursuit of peace and fitting as a tribute to our late friends. In their memory, we will continue our walk together, building a stronger partnership between our two countries.”