A contingent of 40 personnel from the Ghana Army’s 15 Armoured Brigade and the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps has successfully completed a comprehensive four-week training program focused on the operation and maintenance of the newly acquired Puma M36 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Armoured Personnel Carriers.
The rigorous training, which concluded on Friday, May 2, 2025, took place at the headquarters of the 153 Armoured Regiment located at Burma Camp in Accra. This initiative was facilitated by the Virginia-based defence contractor AMENTUM and coordinated through the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana.
The closing ceremony featured Brigadier General Gah, Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, as the guest of honour. He commended the trainees for their commitment and encouraged them to disseminate their knowledge throughout the ranks.
The training program encompassed both theoretical and practical components, addressing a variety of subjects including vehicle identification, familiarization with interior and exterior components, operational protocols, safety measures, turret and gun port handling, and field driving across diverse terrains such as sand, mud, and rocky inclines.
Participants engaged in hands-on lessons on servicing and maintaining the Puma M36 MK 6-275 4×4, culminating in a field training exercise designed to reinforce their skills.
Lieutenant Colonel David Kwesi Korsah, Commanding Officer of the 153 Armoured Regiment, expressed confidence in the trainees’ ability to effectively operate and maintain the advanced vehicles. He also praised AMENTUM for maintaining high training standards and fostering a renewed sense of responsibility among the soldiers.
During the event, Lt Col Paul Corbitt, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, discussed the historical development of military transport vehicles. He pointed out that earlier models, such as the Humvee, were susceptible to vulnerabilities due to their low clearance and instability on rugged terrain.
Representatives from AMENTUM noted that the course was specifically designed for experienced drivers, equipping them with the technical expertise necessary to navigate challenging terrains and operate the Puma’s advanced systems—including axle and differential locks, turret controls, and dashboard indicators. The Puma M36 features enhancements not typically found in standard vehicles, such as deep axle locks and in-cabin checks for engine and gearbox oil levels. These improvements are anticipated to enhance the GAF’s mobility and resilience in peacekeeping and internal security missions.
AMENTUM, a prominent U.S. defence contractor, has a presence throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Chad, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso. Also in attendance at the closing ceremony were 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.
