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Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo defended his government’s approval of expanded military cooperation with the United States on Thursday, saying that it would enhance peace efforts in West Africa.
He said the deal, which was approved by parliament last month and allows for the deployment of U.S troops and their military equipment in Ghana, was in line with previous international pacts and did not constitute an offer to Washington to establish a military base.
Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote after failing to block its approval, leaving members of the ruling party to ratify it.
“It is our firm belief that the agreement will help enhance our defence capability, and offer an important layer of support in our common effort to protect the peace in our region,” Akufo-Addo said in a televised speech.
It was his first comment on a deal widely criticised by Ghanaians, including civil society groups and minor political parties.
