GHANA: DEFENSE MINISTER ASKS USG TO "DISCUSS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 000486

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/01/2017
TAGS: GH MOPS PREL
SUBJECT: GHANA: DEFENSE MINISTER ASKS USG TO "DISCUSS
AFRICOM DISCRETELY"

REF: ACCRA 429

Classified By: Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater for reasons 1.4 d and e
.


1. (C) Ghanaian Minister of Defense Kwame Addo Kufuor and
Ambassador met one-on-one at the Minister,s request on
February 26 at the Defense Ministry. Addo Kufuor recalled
his strong and positive personal regard for the United
States, and the positive and strong military to military
relations our two nations share. The Minister added that if
he were to live in another country other than Ghana, it would
be the United Kingdom or the United States. He then stressed
Ghana,s willingness to be a partner with the United States
&in every way8 to ensure peace, security and safety in
Ghana and on the African continent. Turning to the USG,s
recent announcement of the formation of an Africa Command,
Addo Kufuor recalled that Ghana and the U.S. had shared
positive military experiences and exchanges over the years.
He noted in particular activities at the Takoradi Naval Base,
the Jungle Warfare Center, the Kofi Annan International
Peacekeeping Center, ACRI/ACOTA training, senior leadership
training, support for peacekeeping operations around Africa
and in the world, maritime security and training, the State
Partnership Program, and other engagements.


2. (C) As he has told the Ambassador previously, Addo Kufuor
said he expected the United States to be a partner that would
assist in shoring up Ghana,s military preparedness with
equipment as, as well as training, conferences and
assessments, particularly in the maritime arena. Ambassador
reminded the Minister that DAO has prepared a comprehensive
needs assessment of Ghana,s military and was actively
looking at possibilities within USG resource capabilities,
and at mechanisms to address most effectively Ghana,s
concerns/requests/requirements. The Minister said he was
happy to hear this.


3. (C) Addo Kufuor spoke next about ethnic tensions in Ghana
) the &north-south divide8 as he characterized it, and
alluded to problems that could occur if these issues are not
handled sensitively and carefully. He recalled that while
there is religious tolerance in Ghana, there is always the
concern that an Islamic-Christian schism could develop.
Returning to the subject of AFRICOM, the Minister expressed
the need for the U.S. to move &carefully, prudently and
consultatively8 on establishing this command. While
accepting the efficacy of having a command dedicated
specifically t the African continent, Addo Kufuor voiced
concen that USG ilitary and civilian policy makers engge
their African counterparts &before8 and not ater decisions
are made. He specifically urged that Ghanaians, as &good,
loyal, partners8, have the opportunity to dialogue and
provide input to U.S. policy makers to avoid mistaken notions
about the Africa Command, and to insure that the
establishment of this command does not fuel religious
divisions and enhance tensions. The Minister stated
unequivocally and repeatedly that discussions about AFRICOM
must be handled &discreetly8 with Ghana and other nations,
and ¬ in the press8. Ambassador expressed appreciation
for the Minister,s frank assessment and comments. She
assured Addo Kufuor that USG policy makers, both military and
civilian, would be visiting African capitals to solicit input
and feedback on AFRICOM.


4. (C) Comment: Addo Kufuor was sending the USG a clear
message: Ghana is capable being the headquarters in Africa
for AFRICOM, but don,t make pre-determined plans for Ghana
or for other potential African sites unilaterally. He
clearly is concerned and believes we are doing just that. He
also is reflecting concerns of and input from his service
chiefs, and of the Presidency. With presidential elections
set for 2008, the GOG does not want any action to take place
that will &rock the boat8, cause further ethnic tensions or
jeopardize the elections for the NPP. End comment.
BRIDGEWATER