The United States has donated more than $1 million worth of specialized body armor to the Ghana Armed Forces, part of a broader initiative to enhance the role and safety of female soldiers in international peacekeeping missions.
At a formal handover ceremony in Accra, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson presented the personal protective equipment to Ghana’s Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Gbentanu. The donation marks a tangible step in strengthening bilateral defense ties while supporting Ghana’s longstanding contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
“This high-quality gear will help protect Ghana’s remarkable female peacekeepers as they work to ensure security, stability, and prosperity not just in West Africa, but across the African continent and globally,” Mr. Olson said. “As soldiers stand on the front lines defending our nations, their protection is paramount.”
The donation forms part of the Women’s Body Armour Quadrilateral Pilot Project—a joint initiative launched in 2023 by the governments of Ghana, Zambia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The project, co-financed by Washington and The Hague, is designed to improve operational effectiveness and safety for female military personnel in Ghana and Zambia, with a focus on advancing gender inclusion within U.N. peacekeeping ranks.
Officials say the protective gear is tailored specifically for female soldiers, reflecting evolving efforts within NATO and U.N.-aligned forces to address longstanding gaps in equipment design and access for women in combat roles.
The gesture comes amid a period of mourning within the Ghana Armed Forces following a recent helicopter crash involving military personnel. Mr. Olson offered condolences during the event, underscoring Washington’s solidarity with Accra.
“The United States is grieving with and stands behind the people of Ghana and the Ghanaian Armed Forces during this time,” he said. “Today’s donation is symbolic of our shared commitment to peace and a tribute to those we have lost. In their memory, we continue to walk forward—together.”
Ghana, a leading African contributor to U.N. peacekeeping operations, has been recognized for efforts to integrate female personnel into frontline roles, with officials citing improved security outcomes and mission performance where women are actively deployed.
