The European Union has donated 105 militarized vehicles to Ghana to boost counterterrorism efforts.
The vehicles cost €20 million.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo stated that there was a need for Ghana to bolster its counterterrorism capabilities.
He said Ghana would have to do so due to the recent surge in terrorist activities in neighbouring countries.
He further noted that the vehicles donated by the EU will play a significant role in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.
“The latest attempts by extremists and terrorists to expand their sphere of influence from the Sahel to coastal West Africa are evident, and these actions pose a substantial security risk to the people and stability of Ghana,” Akufo-Addo said.
“Recent occurrences of terrorist activities in Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin underscore the pressing need for Ghana to enhance its counterterrorism measures.”
“It is imperative to understand that no single country can confront terrorist threats alone,” Akufo-Addo added.
“Collaborative efforts among nations facing this challenge and critical support from partners such as the European Union, who share in our security concerns, remain crucial in mitigating the terrorist threat in the West African region.”
On his part, the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, admonished the government to fight the root causes of terrorism.
“To prevent terrorism, you have to attack the root causes,” Borrell said.
“Everything has a cause, so let us look at the causes—not to justify, but to explain—so that we can act in a more intelligent manner. We need intervention, which requires improved service provision and job creation, especially for the youth and women.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
