The U.S. Embassy's Office of Security Cooperation and Defense Attache Office, in coordination with the Ghana Armed Forces, purchased U.S. Coast Guard Response boats to meet the Ghana Navy's request for increased capacity and training.

The boats were handed over at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Minister of Defense Honorable Albert Kan-Dapaah in Sekondi, Ghana on October 25, 2008.

The donation, which includes equipment, spare parts, and training, advances maritime security and safety in Ghana's territorial waters and fosters close engagement between the Ghanaian and American militaries.

The total award amount for the four patrol boats was over $1.7 million. Three arrived in August, 2008; delivery of the fourth boat is estimated for Fall 2009. These first three boats have been designated Ghana Navy Ships Dzang, Obimpeh, and Amedume after former Chiefs of Naval Staff.

The patrol boats help to address a common concern of navies along the Gulf of Guinea by increasing their capabilities to respond to threats in their waters. The boats reflect the spirit of cooperation of the Africa Partnership Station program and arrived just before the U.S. Africa Command was formally activated October 1, 2008.