The Ministry of National Security has refuted a Reuters’ report alleging that Islamist militants are using northern Ghana as a base for logistical and medical support, describing the claims as “unfounded” and “misleading.”
A statement issued by the ministry on October 25, 2024 debunked the news report on October 24, 2024 which alleged that Ghanaian authorities appear to be “largely turning a blind eye” to militants crossing from neighbouring Burkina Faso, purportedly to access food, fuel and explosives, as well as receive medical treatment in local hospitals.
The Ministry refuted the report, stating “The report is riddled with non-factual representations. This assertion is entirely unfounded, misleading, and rather curious. The Ministry categorically refutes these claims as nothing but an unwarranted slur on Ghana.”
The Reuters article is based heavily on a report by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael), which has also been widely challenged.
The Clingendael report speculates that Ghana’s lack of major terrorist incidents might be attributed to a supposed “non-aggression” understanding between Ghanaian authorities and militant groups.
The Ministry disclosed that, in August 2024, it engaged in a series of meetings with researchers from Clingendael and their local partners to discuss inaccuracies in their draft report.
“We held constructive discussions to address numerous inaccuracies identified in Clingendael’s preliminary findings. It was agreed that we would provide a paper detailing our counter-terrorism position to clarify Ghana’s security stance and address the unsubstantiated claims made in the draft report,” the Ministry explained.
However, despite Ghana’s efforts to provide clarifications, Clingendael’s final report ignored the Ministry’s input.
The Ministry further emphasised that Ghana’s government dedicates significant resources to counter-terrorism and border security initiatives aimed at preventing any form of terrorist infiltration or cross-border movement of militants.
“The Government of Ghana, through its State Security and Intelligence Agencies, conducts continuous operations to prevent any terrorist infiltration or cross-border movement of militants and has been doing so over the years with notable successes,” the Ministry affirmed.
The Ministry also highlighted ongoing collaboration with neighbouring countries, emphasising Ghana’s role in regional intelligence-sharing and operational coordination.
As part of its regional strategy, the Ministry detailed Ghana’s ongoing collaboration with neighbouring countries, particularly through intelligence-sharing and operational coordination to address shared security threats in West Africa.
In a call to the international community and the Ghanaian public, the Ministry urged that the “erroneous and irresponsible” reports be dismissed.
The Government of Ghana, it affirmed, remains resolute in protecting its citizens and will continue supporting regional counter-terrorism efforts to ensure stability.
The Ministry’s statement concluded by saying “Ghana will not relent on its responsibility to uphold national security, safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of its citizens without compromising on the wider regional counter-terrorism objectives.”
