The European Union has delivered on its promise to provide Ghana with 105 militarised vehicles in support of the nation’s fight against growing threats of terrorism and extremism in West Africa.
According to the European Union, other military equipment will be delivered soon – summing up the military aid to €20million.
In a colourful ceremony in Accra, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borell Fontelles, established that the delivery of equipment completes ongoing activities to strengthen the security sector in Ghana; and is part of a broader package worth €616million to strengthen the defence and security of four coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea.
He said: “The spill-over of terrorist activities from the Sahel to Gulf of Guinea countries is something that is happening now; and this reality has to be faced by our partners like you, but not alone. We have to face it together. We heard your call, Mr. President, at the UN General Assembly last month where you requested more international solidarity in the fight against conflict and violent extremism. We in the European Union are ready to answer this call”.
Receiving the delivery, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana indicated that this gesture demonstrates Ghana’s longstanding relationship with the European Union regarding shared interests.
“I assure His Excellency Mr. Josep Borell Fontelles and the European Union that Ghana is committed to utilising these resources – including the militarised vessels – for the agreed purposes, which include securing our northern frontiers against terrorist incursions. Ghana stands ready to continue collaborating with the European Union to safeguard our mutual security interests, particularly in the West African region,” President Akufo-Addo expressed.
