Albert Kan-Dapaah
The Ministry of National Security has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent Reuters report claiming that Islamist militants are using northern Ghana as a logistical and medical base for insurgent activities.
The ministry expressed grave concern about the article, which it described as riddled with inaccuracies.
The Reuters report alleges that “Ghanaian authorities appear to be largely turning a blind eye” to insurgents crossing from Burkina Faso to acquire food, fuel, and medical treatment.
The ministry categorically refuted these claims, emphasising that they are unfounded and represent an unwarranted slur on Ghana’s reputation.
Furthermore, the ministry criticised Reuters for relying on a discredited publication by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael), which inaccurately suggested that Ghana’s lack of terrorist attacks is due to a “non-aggression” understanding with militant groups.
This assertion has been challenged by the National Security Ministry, which described it as misleading and curious.
A press statement sighted by the paper explained that, in August 2024, the ministry held meetings with Clingendael researchers to address inaccuracies in their draft report concerning Ghana’s security stance.
It was agreed that the ministry would provide clarifications, which were expected to be rectified in the final report.
However, the ministry asserts that its response was not adequately reflected.
The ministry emphasised that Ghana’s counter-terrorism efforts are recognised and commended by international partners.
It highlighted the significant resources dedicated to maintaining border security and the active engagement of security forces in counter-terrorism operations, particularly along the northern frontier.
“There is no ‘non-aggression’ policy or tacit agreement with militant groups,” the ministry stated, stressing that, “Any suggestion that Ghana ‘passively’ facilitates extremist activities undermines the vigilance of our security personnel and the substantial investments made to fortify our borders.”
The ministry, in the statement, reiterated its commitment to national security, stating that ongoing operations are in place to prevent terrorist infiltration and cross-border movement of militants.
“Ghana continues to collaborate with neighbouring countries to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination in addressing regional security threats,” the statement read.
The Ministry of National Security urged the public and international community to disregard the erroneous reports, and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of citizens while contributing to broader regional counter-terrorism efforts.
Reuters earlier reported that following information gathered from seven reliable sources, it has confirmed that Islamist militants fighting in Burkina Faso are discreetly using Ghana’s north as a logistical and medical rear base to sustain their insurgency.
According to Reuters, the sources which include Ghanaian security officials and regional diplomats, disclosed that Ghanaian authorities appeared to be mostly turning a blind eye to the insurgents crossing over from neighbouring Burkina Faso to stock up on food, fuel and even explosives, as well as getting injured fighters treated in a hospital.