The Ministry of National Security in Ghana has firmly denied a recent Reuters report that alleged Islamist militants are using northern Ghana as a base for insurgent activities. The report further claimed that Ghanaian authorities were ignoring militants crossing from Burkina Faso to acquire supplies and medical care.
The report, which was based on research from the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael), questioned Ghana’s security stance and suggested that the country might be passively cooperating with militants. The implications of the report were damaging, as it challenged Ghana’s international reputation in the fight against terrorism and raised doubts about the government’s commitment to regional security.
In an October 25, 2024 press release, the Ministry dismissed the claims as inaccurate and baseless, urging both the public and the international community to disregard the report. It stated that the Reuters article was grounded in a flawed publication by the Clingendael Institute, which had previously been addressed and corrected by the Ministry. However, these corrections were ignored in the final report, leading to false accusations about Ghana being a base for insurgent activities.
The Ministry strongly rejected the notion that Ghana serves as a “supply line” for militants and highlighted the country’s internationally recognized counter-terrorism efforts. It emphasized that significant resources have been allocated to safeguarding northern borders, and the suggestion of passive facilitation of militant activities was an affront to the hard work of security personnel.
Additionally, the Ministry refuted claims of a so-called “non-aggression” agreement with militants, reiterating that Ghana’s intelligence and security agencies have been effective in preventing terrorist infiltration and cross-border militant movements. The Ministry stressed that Ghana remains a stable and secure hub for investment and trade in West Africa, and any false allegations about instability risk harming investor confidence and economic growth.
The Ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with neighbouring countries to share intelligence and carry out coordinated security operations aimed at addressing regional threats. It urged the public and global community to ignore the inaccurate report, reassuring that Ghana remains focused on maintaining national security and actively participating in regional counter-terrorism efforts.
