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The United States government has donated women’s body armor valued at over $1 million to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a move aimed at strengthening the safety and effectiveness of female peacekeepers deployed in high-risk missions worldwide.
The donation is part of a broader initiative to support countries that contribute troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions and to promote greater inclusion of women in such operations.
The body armor, specifically tailored for women, is expected to address longstanding challenges faced by female soldiers who have had to adapt to equipment designed primarily for men.
Gender equality in security
The Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, who made the presentation at the Burma Camp today (August 20), said the gesture was a reflection of the US commitment to Ghana’s peacekeeping efforts and to the broader agenda of gender equality in security.
He praised Ghana for consistently ranking among the top 10 troop-contributing countries to UN missions, noting that its soldiers ,both men and women , had earned respect for their professionalism, discipline and resilience in complex theatres of operation.
“Every day, Ghanaian peacekeepers serve on the frontlines of global security, often in places far from home, where danger and uncertainty are part of daily life,” he said.
“This donation is not just about equipment, it is about ensuring that every soldier, regardless of gender, has the protection they deserve while serving humanity. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to peacekeeping, and when they are fully equipped, the missions become stronger and more effective,” he added.
Mr Olson recalled the recent recognition of two Ghanaian female peacekeepers who received top UN military honors in Abyei in 2024 and 2025, describing their achievements as a testament to the value of women in international peace operations.
He said the U.S. was proud to partner with Ghana through initiatives such as the Women’s Body Armor Pilot Project, launched in 2023 with the Netherlands, Zambia and Ghana itself.
“The world is facing unprecedented challenges from terrorism and armed conflict to humanitarian crises and peacekeepers are the bridge between despair and hope. As Ghana’s women in uniform take on greater responsibilities in these missions, they must be adequately protected. This body armor is designed specifically for them, to give them the confidence, safety, and mobility they need to carry out their duties effectively,” Mr Olson said.
