By Hannah Dadzie
The UK government has donated eight ambulances to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve medical outreach in the Northern border regions, demonstrating bilateral collaboration and commitment to strengthening the UK-Ghana security partnership.
The official handover ceremony, which took place on Thursday, December 8, 2023, at Burma Camp in Accra, is a testament to the strong security and defence ties the UK and Ghana share.
The event brought together the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama from the Ghana Armed Forces, British High Commissioner, H.E. Harriet Thompson, and representatives from the UK government and the Ghana Armed Forces, showcasing a collaborative effort to bolster peace and security in the Northern Regions.
The vehicles were presented to Vice Admiral Seth Amoama by the UK’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, and the British High Commission to Ghana, Harriet Thompson.
Ghana, like her neighbours, appreciates the importance of civilian cooperation in the Northern regions as the Armed Forces work alongside Non-Governmental Organisations in the fight to prevent and limit violent extremist organisations. The ambulances provided are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to aid the Ghana Armed Forces in their medical outreaches in the five (5) Northern regions as part of the UK-Ghana Civilian Military Cooperation Programme.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Rt. Hon. James Heappey, said Ghana is a key partner for the UK, and they work together to tackle shared challenges from violent extremism in the Sahel to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and this donation underscores the strong partnership between the UK and Ghana.
“We are proud to contribute to Ghana Armed Forces’ capacity to protect and serve its civilians in the five northern regions to counter violent extremism, and we will continue to foster long-lasting partnerships through our annual security dialogue,” Rt. Hon Heappey added.
On behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, expressed appreciation to the UK government for the kind gesture, adding that the vehicles will be put to good use and will serve their intended purpose. He said the donation will make a huge impact on their efforts to fight counter-terrorism that threatens the nation from the north.
“I am very delighted to receive these ambulances on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces from the UK government. My heart is full of joy and gratitude for this generous donation. This is coming at an opportune time, at a time that we had just concluded the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting. It’s very very timely as we prepare to embark on counter-terrorism operations in the Northern part of our country in collaboration with other partners and nations across West Africa. It will support in the medical evacuation plan for our troops that will be deployed,” Vice Admiral Amoama expressed.
The ambulances will be distributed at the Wa, Bolgatanga, Sandema Mechanical Brigade Headquarters, and the Armoured Regimental Headquarters in Damango. The UK continues to work closely with the Ghana Armed Forces to support Ghana’s leadership position in the sub-region and to strengthen the capability of Ghanaian security services to take the lead in responding to instability in the region, particularly those related to violent extremists emanating from the Sahel.
About the UK-Ghana Security Dialogue
The UK-Ghana Security Dialogue is one of the many platforms which exhibit the UK and Ghana’s longstanding relationship, particularly in defence and security. The relationship is underpinned by shared principles of democratic governance and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as mutual concerns about regional instability and a desire to support regional and international peace and security.
The governments of both countries affirm their commitment to the partnership in the face of complex and evolving regional and global threats, including terrorism, conflict, human trafficking, serious and organised crimes, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and piracy, and recognising the prominent role Ghana plays in countering these threats. Through these annual dialogues, the UK and Ghana agree to enhance strong existing cooperation in the following areas: defence cooperation and maritime security, serious and organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, border security, and also countering terrorism and violent extremism.
They also seek to promote civil-military cooperation and human security-led approaches to mitigating the risks of instability, combating mis-and-disinformation effective use of intelligence, regional cooperation to address transnational security threats
About the Civilian Military Cooperation Programme (CIMIC)
The system of interaction involving exchange on information, negotiation, de-confliction, mutual support and planning at all levels between military elements and humanitarian organisations, development organisations or the local civilian population to achieve respective objectives.
About The Rt. Hon. James Heappey
The Rt. Hon James Heappey is the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces. Prior to his appointment, he previously served as the Minister for Defence Procurement and a former Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.