President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, December 4, 2025, officially handed over 40 armoured vehicles to the Ghana Police Service (GPS) in a ceremony aimed at bolstering national security amid rising threats.
The vehicles – a mix of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) models including Puma M36 variants – were procured through strategic partnerships with international allies, including the United States, to enhance the police’s mobility, protection, and rapid response capabilities.
Speaking at the handover event at the GPS headquarters in Accra, Mahama emphasized the commitment to modernizing security forces.
“These armoured vehicles represent our resolve to equip our brave men and women in uniform with the tools they need to protect Ghanaians and maintain peace,” the President said. “In these challenging times, a well-equipped police service is the bedrock of our democracy.”
Key Details of the Fleet
Quantity: 40 vehicles (20 for immediate deployment, 20 in reserve)
Models: Primarily Puma M36 Mk3 MRAPs with advanced ballistic protection and anti-mine features
Source: Donation and co-funding via U.S. Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, supplemented by government resources
Cost: Approximately $45 million (covered by bilateral aid and national budget)
Features: Equipped for urban and rural operations, with enhanced communication systems and capacity for 10-12 personnel per vehicle
The handover follows a four-week training program for 50 GPS officers on operation and maintenance, conducted in collaboration with U.S. defense contractors.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, whose tenure was extended by two years in November 2025, hailed the delivery as a “game-changer.”
“This fleet will significantly reduce risks to our officers during high-threat operations and improve our effectiveness against armed robbery, terrorism spillover, and civil unrest,” Yohuno stated.
The vehicles will be distributed across regional commands, with priority to hotspots like the Ahafo and Ashanti regions, where recent violent incidents – including the December 2 robbery in Nkasiem – have strained resources.
The acquisition builds on earlier 2025 deliveries, such as the 14 Puma vehicles received in May from the U.S., and addresses longstanding concerns over outdated police equipment. It aligns with Mahama’s administration’s focus on internal security, including probes into past procurement scandals like the Soviet-era BTR-70 APCs.
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah noted that the move strengthens Ghana’s resilience against Sahel-linked threats, as highlighted in recent expert warnings.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Interior Minister Henry Quartey and U.S. Ambassador Virginia Palmer.
