U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer stressed the importance of the Flintlock 2024 exercise as demonstrating the strong partnership between the United States and Ghana in enhancing regional security.
“This is the second year that I am meeting you all at this exercise and as promised, this year it is bigger, bigger and better,” she said while speaking at the event’s distinguished visitors demonstration in Tamale, in the north, last Friday.
She noted that Exercise Flintlock is one of three major exercises being held in Ghana this month along with Exercise Obangme Express and Exercise African Lion, reflecting comprehensive cooperation to enhance regional security.
Addressing the assembled troops and international partners, Gen Palmer extended a warm welcome: “Akwaaba to our international partners and Medasse to our gracious hosts, the Ghanaian Army.”
She acknowledged the tremendous effort that went into planning and executing the exercise, which involved some 1,300 multinational troops from 31 countries.
Flintlock, a multinational effort launched in 2005, underscores the United States’ long-term commitment to regional security.
Ambassador Palmer stressed the timely nature of the exercise given the growing security threat posed by violent extremism in the Sahel region.
She expressed concern over the ongoing security, humanitarian and political crises in the region, and stressed the need for continued vigilance and cooperation.
“African Lion will remain in Ghana to continue strengthening ties to the coastal West Africa region,” declared Palmer, who described African Lion as a flagship U.S. military exercise focused on countering common threats in Africa through the deployment and mobilization of conventional forces.
Ambassador Palmer highlighted the growing influence of violent extremist groups in the region, noting increased threats to civilians, human rights violations, displacement and humanitarian needs.
She stressed that violent extremism thrives in the absence of state power, weak service delivery, fragile democracy, difficult access to justice, and economic and political exclusion.
Working with African Lion, medical events were held in the community to build trust between at-risk people and security forces. “It’s this trust and connection that can truly improve security,” Palmer said.
The Ambassador stressed that countering violent extremism requires more than a military effort, and the United States is committed to long-term support for at-risk communities, guided by its strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability.
This includes promoting social cohesion, providing economic opportunity, strengthening military ties, and strengthening Ghana’s security services. Since 2022, Parliament has approved more than $85 million for these efforts, with an additional $45 million set to be approved this year.
Ambassador Palmer commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their leadership in special operations and command and control. “The Ghana Armed Forces are not only a net exporter of security and stability through their peacekeeping operations, they have also proven themselves to be competent leaders,” she said.
She reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting the Ghana Armed Forces through continued training and technical assistance.
Our partnership is built on shared democratic values and a common history. Ghana’s commitment to freedom of assembly, interfaith religious tolerance and respect for human rights makes it a model for modern democracy.
Finally, Palmer emphasized the strength and mutual benefits of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Ghana.
“Through Flintlock and African Lion, we have demonstrated that our bilateral relationship is strong, productive and mutually beneficial,” she said.
Ambassador Palmer said he is proud to partner with Ghana, a leader in West Africa, to advance regional security, invest in its people, protect its democratic institutions and foster mutual prosperity.
The presence of senior leaders at the event underscored the importance of these exercises and their focus on security along the West African coast.
“Ghana’s efforts are supported by international and regional partners who value Ghana’s leadership,” Palmer concluded, reinforcing joint efforts to uphold shared values and democratic norms in the face of regional threats.
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