CODEL INHOFE'S MEETINGS WITH PRESIDENT KUFUOR AND MINISTRY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ACCRA 002577

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KWMN MARR MOPS GH
SUBJECT: CODEL INHOFE'S MEETINGS WITH PRESIDENT KUFUOR AND MINISTRY
OF DEFENSE OFFICIALS


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On November 26, President Kufuor and Ghana's
Defense Minister told CODEL Inhofe that Ghanaian peacekeepers for
Somalia and Darfur must be properly equipped before a deployment.
Otherwise, he said, it would be akin to "sending them to the
slaughter." Kufuor and Ghana's military leaders also thanked the
CODEL for U.S. assistance over the years, highlighting programs in
education, military assistance, HIV/AIDS, agriculture and the
African Growth and Opportunity Act as beneficial to Ghana, and
supporting regional peacekeeping activities. END SUMMARY.

Meeting with President Kufuor
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2. (SBU) In a November 26 courtesy call with President Kufuor, CODEL
Inhofe thanked Kufuor for his positive leadership role in Ghana and
Africa. CODEL Inhofe also expressed gratitude to Kufuor for Ghana's
history of peacekeeping around the world. Economic progress is also
evident and Ghana seems to be making positive strides forward, the
CODEL told Kufuor. Noting Ghana's 2008 Presidential election and
Kufuor's inability to seek a third term, Sen. Inhofe said he is
looking forward to continuing a close relationship with Ghana and
its next President.


3. (SBU) President Kufuor said that Ghana has enjoyed close
cooperation with the U.S. and he expects it to continue into the
future. While Ghana has made progress in many areas, Kufuor said
problems remain. Stability, Kufuor stressed, is paramount because
instability can hinder development and deter investors. Ghana, he
said, continues to work to stabilize itself and neighboring
countries. Ghana also looks across Africa in its stabilization
efforts and Kufuor pointed to Somalia and Darfur as places where
Ghana is interested in assisting. Kufuor is pleased that the UN
approved the Hybrid Force for Sudan, but emphasized that these
forces must be equipped properly in order to have a chance.
Otherwise, he said, it is akin to "sending them to slaughter." He
said Ghana is looking to the U.S. and South Africa to support its
mission to Sudan.


4. (SBU) Kufuor said that during his seven years in office, the U.S.
has been "very good" to Ghana and Africa. He pointed to the USD 547
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact for Ghana as a prime
example of cooperation with the U.S. Kufuor also pointed out
assistance in education, mentioning the 2006 visit of First Lady
Laura Bush, and said Ghana values assistance on HIV/AIDS. The
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) also benefits Ghana,
however, he commented that Ghana does not have the industrial might
to allow it to take full advantage of AGOA's benefits. To that end,
Kufuor urged CODEL Inhofe to research ways the USG can assist Ghana
to develop its industry. Kufuor also praised the recent visit of
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and the launching of the new USD
250 million investment funds for Africa announced by OPIC CEO
Mosbacher during Paulson's November 19 visit to Accra. With this
assistance and on its own, Kufuor stressed that the U.S. should
appreciate Ghana's and Africa's efforts at moving forward and out of
the "chaos, conflicts and poverty" of the past.

Meeting with Minister of Defense and Defense Chiefs
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5. (U) Also on November 27, CODEL Inhofe and Ambassador Bridgewater
met with Minister of Defense Albert Kan-Dapaah. In attendance were
Deputy Defense Minister William Boafo-Ofori, MOD Chief Director Mr.
Ofosu Appeah, Chief of the Army Staff Major General S.A. Odotei,
Deputy Chief of Navy Staff Commodore Bierko, and Chief of Air Staff
Air Vice Marshall J.O. Boateng.


6. (U) Kan-Dapaah expressed appreciation to the USG for its support
to the Ghanaian Armed Forces. He said Ghana's military helps
sustain the country's democracy and economic development. He noted
that the military is perceived in Ghana to be a stabilizing force,
and that it has a deep respect for human rights.


7. (U) The Minister also noted that adequate budget support for the
armed forces has been difficult, but that the USG has provided
important assistance. In particular, he cited the five new patrol
boats that Ghana will receive by June 2008 from the USG, which will
help Ghana confront the challenge of narcotics smuggling.


8. (U) In addition to helping develop Ghana, said Kan-Dapaah, the
Ministry of Defense is focused on peacekeeping operations in Ghana
and around the world, and is trying to prepare for that challenge.
The Africa Standby Force, he noted, would be useful but would not be
ready until 2010.


9. (SBU) Kan-Dapaah noted that Ghana's armed forces have served in
Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Lebanon, and are considering Sudan.
Regarding Somalia, the Minister said that while Ghana has agreed to
send troops, there is inadequate equipment. He stressed that the
ability to deploy those troops depends on the GOG's ability to
maintain them adequately and at the moment the GOG lacks sufficient

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resources.


10. (SBU) The Minister said the GOG has examined alternate means to
equip the troops, including the possibility of "wet lease" financing
of USD 60-70 million. He added that the UN will not provide
equipment up front.


11. (U) Regarding IMET, Kan-Dapaah said the program has been very
useful for Ghana's military. Lieutenant General Danquah added that
the military had benefited significantly from the training, and this
has helped develop Ghana's peacekeeping capability. He asked
whether the USG could increase the number of IMET slots for Ghana.


12. (SBU) Responding to Representative Boren's question regarding
the Ghanaian military's specific equipment needs, General Danquah
said the military needs vehicles, including armored personal
carriers and Land Rover-type 4X4s. He also said the Air Force lacks
airlift capacity, and requires C-130s if it wants to transport
troops. Air Force Chief Boateng also cited the need for
helicopters. The military chiefs promised to provide a list of
equipment needs.


13. (SBU) Regarding counterterrorism activities, General Danquah
said that the military's ability to act is limited by the
information it receives from national security sources, and said the
GOG has a good relationship with U.S. counterparts. He admitted,
however, that Ghana does not have good sources of information on its
own, and relies upon foreign cooperation.


14. (U) CODEL Inhofe cleared this cable.

BROWN