Ghanaians are up in arms following a high-profile donation of military vehicles from the United States, with many citizens voicing deep suspicion over the gesture and demanding that the government return the equipment immediately.
The U.S., through its ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, recently handed over 14 Puma M36 armoured vehicles worth over $6 million to the Ghana Armed Forces. According to the U.S. Embassy, the donation is intended to help Ghana boost its counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthen border security, especially in the volatile northern areas bordering Burkina Faso.
During the handover ceremony, Ambassador Palmer framed the gesture as a reflection of the enduring partnership between the two nations, built on “shared values and a collective commitment to regional peace and stability.”
However, what was meant to be a show of friendship and cooperation has quickly spiraled into a heated public controversy. Many Ghanaians are expressing skepticism, fearing that the donation may come with hidden strings attached. On social media and talk shows, critics have alleged that the vehicles could be used for covert U.S. military operations or surveillance in neighboring countries experiencing political unrest—particularly Burkina Faso.
The backlash has intensified, with some members of the public urging the current Mahama-led government to reject or return the vehicles altogether. Others have questioned whether surveillance or tracking technology may be secretly embedded in the vehicles, potentially compromising Ghana’s security and sovereignty.
Although the Ghanaian government has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the concerns, military officials have described the donation as a welcome boost in the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and protect its borders. Nonetheless, the widespread public pushback reveals an underlying distrust in foreign military assistance, especially when it intersects with regional tensions.
As pressure mounts on the Mahama administration, citizens are demanding transparency and clear assurances that the nation’s sovereignty will not be compromised. With fears of foreign influence and covert agendas growing louder, the government now faces a critical test in maintaining both national security and public trust.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
