The Ministry of National Security of Ghana has refuted allegations published by Reuters, which suggested that northern Ghana has become a logistical and medical hub for Islamist militants allegedly using the region to support insurgent activities.
This response comes after Reuters published a report on October 24, 2024, asserting that militants from neighboring Burkina Faso have exploited the Ghanaian territory to access food, fuel, explosives, and medical treatment in local hospitals, with supposed indifference from Ghanaian authorities.
“This assertion is entirely unfounded, misleading and rather curious. The Ministry categorically refutes these claims as nothing but an unwarranted slur on Ghana.”
Ministry of National Security
According to the Ministry, Reuters cited a publication from the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael) as its primary source, a report which the Ministry contended is “based on erroneous information and lacking in independent verification.”
This portrayal, the Ministry argued, is not only inaccurate but could also damage Ghana’s reputation in its ongoing efforts to maintain national and regional stability.
The Ministry highlighted that Clingendael’s assertions are inconsistent with Ghana’s known stance on security and counter-terrorism.
In August 2024, representatives from the Ministry met with Clingendael researchers and local collaborators to clarify Ghana’s security policies and address perceived inaccuracies in the draft of Clingendael’s report.
During these discussions, it was agreed that the Ministry would provide a formal response to correct inaccuracies, expecting these amendments to reflect in the final publication.
The Ministry’s response, which countered the notion of any passive support for militants, emphasized Ghana’s commitment to a proactive security approach.
Despite these discussions, however, the final Clingendael report, referenced by Reuters, reportedly retained unverified and unfounded claims.
“The Ministry strongly rejects the portrayal of Ghana as a ‘supply line’ for militants.
“Ghana’s counter-terrorism efforts are rightly commended by her partners in the relentless regional and global fight against terrorism.”
Ministry of National Security
Ghana’s Counter-Terrorism Stance and Border Security Efforts
Contrary to Clingendael and Reuters’ claims, Ghana’s counter-terrorism stance is, according to the Ministry, widely respected by its international allies.
The Ministry stressed that Ghana’s government consistently invests in securing its borders and maintains vigilance along the northern frontier to mitigate any potential threats from insurgent groups in the Sahel region.
Ghana’s approach to border security includes coordinated intelligence and operations designed to curb cross-border militant movements and prevent infiltration.
These measures, the Ministry argues, have not only strengthened Ghana’s national security but also contributed to broader regional counter-terrorism efforts.
The Ministry categorically stated, “There is no ‘non-aggression’ policy or tacit agreement with militant groups.”
“Any suggestion that Ghana ‘passively’ facilitates extremist activities or is permissive towards threats is not only incorrect but undermines the vigilance of our dedicated security personnel and the substantial investments the Government continues to make to fortify security along the northern frontier.”
Ministry of National Security
Ghana contributes to intelligence-sharing initiatives and operational coordination, a cooperative stance that the Ministry considers vital to addressing the challenges posed by the spread of extremist violence in the Sahel and neighboring regions.
The Ministry emphasized Ghana’s alignment with ECOWAS’ counter-terrorism strategy, which aims to bolster regional stability and reduce the risk of cross-border militant activities.
“Ghana remains steadfast in its collaboration with neighbouring countries, reinforcing intelligence sharing and operational coordination to address shared security threats in the region.”
Ministry of National Security
In light of the discrepancies highlighted in the Reuters report, the Ministry has called on the public and the international community to treat the publication’s assertions with skepticism.
The Ministry expressed disappointment with Reuters for publishing information based on a single, unverified source. It reiterated that such reports not only misinform but also disregard the considerable efforts Ghana has made to bolster its defenses against militant threats.
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