U.S. and Ghana Partner to Build Capable and Resilient Security and Justice Sector Institutions

The 6th SGI Steering Committee Meeting took place at the West Africa Regional Training Center in Accra.  The senior Ghanaian and U.S. officials emphasized both countries’ commitment to improving security sector governance in Ghana.  In his remarks, Ambassador Arietti noted that “Ghana’s long-standing partnership with the United States, coupled with a shared belief in the value of strong security institutions, has enabled a smooth and productive partnership under SGI,” and encouraged the SGI Steering Committee to continue to focus on implementation.

SGI is a partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United States aimed at improving the effectiveness of Ghana’s security sector and enabling the conditions for national prosperity.  Under SGI, the United States has provided more than $35 million to strengthen border, maritime, and cyber security, as well as to improve the administration of justice.  These efforts have included technical assistance, study visits to the United States and Kenya, trainings and workshops at the strategic and operational levels, and material support.

On Tuesday, January 21, Assistant Secretary Madison and Ambassador Arietti paid visits to the Minister of National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah to discuss bilateral efforts to advance mutual priorities in the law enforcement and security sectors.

On Thursday, January 23, Assistant Secretary Madison met Inspector-General of Police James Oppong-Boanuh and Ghana Police Service (GPS) International Relations Directorate (IRD) Director Baba Saanid Adamu.  In these meetings, Assistant Secretary Madison discussed continued U.S. assistance through the International Police Peacekeeping Operation Support program which to date has trained over 1,400 personnel from eight deployed Formed Police Units to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as well as mechanics and police trainers.

The visit underscored the U.S. Government’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to strengthen security and justice sector institutions to the benefit and prosperity of the Ghanaian people.