The United States has no intention of establishing a military base in Ghana, a senior US military official confirmed, dispelling widespread speculation in the West African country.
“Contrary to what some might believe, the United States has no plans to set up a military base in Ghana,” Major General Kenneth P. Ekman, Director of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Coordination Element (ACE), told the Daily Graphic.
He said that the US is instead focusing on repositioning forces across the region, similar to ongoing operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Chad.
Based in Niamey, Niger, where he is overseeing the withdrawal of over a thousand US forces and equipment, Maj. Gen. Ekman made these remarks during a visit to Ghana, following a stop in Nigeria. His visit, he explained, underscored the robust partnership between the US and Ghana, reaffirming their shared commitment to stability and prosperity in West Africa.
In Accra, Maj. Gen. Ekman met with key Ghanaian officials, including Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul and Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, to discuss future bilateral engagements and the evolving nature of U.S.-Ghana security relations.
“Our relationship with Ghana is transitioning,” he noted. “We’re moving from a focus on training to providing more logistical support.”
As part of this transition, Maj. Gen. Ekman revealed that the U.S. would soon deliver military equipment to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). This support, he told Daily Graphic, is the result of ongoing discussions with Ghanaian counterparts about how the US can best assist Ghana in enhancing its military capabilities. “We also plan to conduct a similar exercise in the maritime domain, recognising Ghana’s status as a maritime power,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Ekman’s visit also centered on regional security, counter-terrorism, and Ghana’s role in contributing to broader regional stability.
“The primary focus of my visit here is to discuss how Ghana can leverage its strength to support a regional approach against extremist organizations in the Sahel,” he said. “Your leaders have outlined their plans for border security and other areas where they need additional support.”
However, Maj. Gen. Ekman expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the sub-region, stressing the importance of transparent cooperation between the US and regional defence leaders.
“My goal is to meet with the Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Defence from the countries surrounding the Sahel to explore more effective strategies for combating insurgency and militant activities,” he concluded.
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