President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday handed over 40 armoured vehicles to the Ghana Police Service, a move government officials say will significantly strengthen internal security operations and improve officer safety amid rising threats of violent crime.
The fleet includes 25 fully armoured units and 15 light armoured vehicles: five Cobra-4s, 20 Cobra-3s and 15 TLC-79 pickups. Police officials say the vehicles are engineered for high-risk operations and will be deployed to support tactical teams across the country.
At a brief ceremony in Accra, Mahama said the investment forms part of a broader national plan to retool Ghana’s security services and build a more responsive, better-protected police force. He said the government remains committed to equipping officers with the tools needed to protect lives, property and critical national installations.
“This is about ensuring that our police officers have the resources and protection required to perform their constitutional duty,” Mahama said. He praised the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the police service for recent gains in combating crime, urging personnel to sustain their efforts as the country approaches the festive season.
Inspector-General Yohuno thanked the president for the continued support and pledged that the vehicles would be deployed strategically to improve rapid response and operational readiness. He said the service would also prioritize routine maintenance to ensure the fleet remains effective long-term.
“These assets will significantly enhance our capabilities, especially in high-risk environments where officer protection and mobility are crucial,” Yohuno said.
The presentation ceremony concluded with a “Show of Force” exercise led by the IGP, joined by members of the Police Management Board and officers from the Operations Department. Police officials described the exercise as part of enhanced security preparations ahead of Christmas, a period that typically sees an uptick in criminal activity.
The Ghana Police Service says the new armoured vehicles will help expand tactical coverage nationwide and strengthen crime prevention efforts as the country moves into the busy holiday period