In a notable development for military cooperation and capacity building in West Africa, the United States Army has successfully trained a contingent of Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel on the operation and maintenance of the Puma M36 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicle.
This four-week intensive training program, which concluded on May 2, 2025, marks a pivotal step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the GAF, particularly in the realms of peacekeeping and internal security operations.
The training was conducted at the headquarters of the 153 Armoured Regiment in Burma Camp, Accra, and was facilitated by AMENTUM, a Virginia-based defense contractor with extensive experience across Sub-Saharan Africa. The program was coordinated through the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the United States and Ghana to strengthen regional security and military readiness.
A total of 40 personnel from the Ghana Army’s 15 Armoured Brigade and the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps participated in this comprehensive course, designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for mastering the Puma M36.
The curriculum covered an extensive range of topics to ensure the trainees were well-versed in all aspects of the vehicle. Theoretical sessions included vehicle identification, familiarization with interior and exterior components, operational instructions, safety procedures, and the handling of turrets and gun ports.
On the practical side, participants engaged in field driving exercises across diverse terrains such as sand, mud, and rocky inclines, as well as hands-on lessons in servicing and maintaining the Puma M36 MK 6-275 4×4. The training concluded with a field exercise that allowed the soldiers to apply their newly acquired skills in a realistic setting, consolidating their understanding of the vehicle’s operations.
The Puma M36 stands out as an advanced MRAP vehicle, engineered to offer superior protection and mobility in high-threat environments. Among its distinctive features are deep axle locks and in-cabin checks for engine and gearbox oil levels, capabilities that set it apart from standard military trucks. The manufacturers have also incorporated protective elements, such as reinforced flooring with railings to prevent leg injuries from explosive devices, prioritizing the safety of the crew.
These enhancements are expected to greatly improve the GAF’s ability to navigate challenging landscapes and maintain operational effectiveness, whether in peacekeeping missions or domestic security operations.
The closing ceremony on May 2, 2025, was a distinguished occasion, attended by several senior military officials. Brigadier General Gah, Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, served as the guest of honor and praised the participants for their dedication throughout the demanding program. He encouraged them to share their expertise with their peers, emphasizing the importance of spreading this knowledge throughout the GAF to maximize its impact.
Lieutenant Colonel David Kwesi Korsah, Commanding Officer of the 153 Armoured Regiment, expressed confidence in the trainees’ readiness to operate and maintain these sophisticated vehicles. He also commended AMENTUM for maintaining high standards during the training and fostering a renewed sense of responsibility among the soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Corbitt, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, provided a broader context during his remarks at the ceremony. He traced the evolution of military transport vehicles, recalling how earlier models like the Humvee, used in Afghanistan, were often compromised by low ground clearance and instability on rough terrain.
In contrast, he noted, the Puma M36 is designed to address these shortcomings, offering enhanced protection and adaptability that are vital for modern military engagements.
Representatives from AMENTUM elaborated on the training’s focus, explaining that it was tailored specifically for experienced drivers. The course equipped them with the technical know-how to handle the Puma’s advanced systems, including axle and differential locks, turret controls, and dashboard indicators. This specialized instruction ensures that GAF personnel can fully leverage the vehicle’s capabilities across a variety of operational scenarios, from rugged terrains to high-risk missions.
The acquisition and training on the Puma M36 are part of a broader effort by the GAF to modernize its fleet and strengthen its operational capacity. Ghana has a well-established history of contributing to international peacekeeping missions, and the Puma M36’s advanced features will prove invaluable in these endeavors.
Domestically, the vehicle’s robust design will enhance the GAF’s ability to respond swiftly and securely to internal security challenges, reinforcing its role as a key player in national defense.
AMENTUM, the defense contractor responsible for delivering this training, is a prominent entity in the U.S. defense sector with a substantial footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa. The company operates in countries such as Chad, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso, and its involvement in Ghana reflects the country’s strategic importance in regional security efforts.
AMENTUM’s prior work in Africa includes notable projects under the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Peacekeeping Program (AFRICAP). In late 2023, the company received task orders valued at $165 million to provide complex training and development in Benin and to oversee the design, engineering, and construction of military bases for the Somalia National Army Danab. These initiatives aim to bolster Africa’s capacity to counter extremist groups and safeguard national security, demonstrating AMENTUM’s expertise in military capacity building.
The Puma M36 MRAP has gained widespread acceptance across the continent, with several African militaries—including those of Ivory Coast, Benin, Somalia, Guinea, Senegal, and Burkina Faso—integrating it into their fleets. This broad adoption speaks to the vehicle’s proven reliability and effectiveness in diverse operational contexts, further solidifying its role in enhancing collective security efforts in Africa.
The closing ceremony also saw the presence of other senior officials, including Colonel Ekow Nkrane Mensah-Yawson, Deputy Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ackerson, Deputy Director of Plans at the Ghana Armed Forces General Headquarters. Their attendance underscored the importance placed on this training and its implications for the GAF’s strategic goals.
