National Security Ministry dismisses Reuters’ claims that militants are using Ghana as a logistical base

The Ministry of National Security has expressed deep concern over a recent report by Reuters which falsely claimed that Islamist militants are using northern Ghana as a logistical and medical base to support their insurgent activities.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 25, the Ministry described the report by Reuters as riddled with inaccuracies.

A Reuters report erroneously suggested that Ghanaian authorities appeared to be largely turning a blind eye to insurgents crossing from neighbouring Burkina Faso to obtain food, fuel, and even explosives, as well as receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.

But the Ministry asserted that Reuters, without conducting independent verification, relied on a previously discredited publication by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael).

The statement said that that publication had already been challenged by the Ministry, which pointed out several errors.

According to the Ministry, Clingendael-Reuters’ sole source had inaccurately suggested that Ghana’s lack of terrorist attacks resulted from an alleged “non-aggression” understanding with militant groups to preserve supply lines and safe havens.

“This assertion is entirely unfounded, misleading, and rather curious,” the Ministry said, dismissing the claims as an “unwarranted slur on Ghana.”

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In August 2024, the Ministry said it held a series of meetings with Clingendael researchers to address numerous inaccuracies in the draft report regarding Ghana’s security posture and submitted a response paper outlining the errors that Clingendael was expected to correct in the final report.

The Ministry categorically rejected the portrayal of Ghana as a “supply line” for militants, stressing that Ghana’s counter-terrorism efforts have earned commendation from regional and global partners engaged in the fight against terrorism.

“The Government of Ghana deserves recognition for the significant resources it allocates to securing the country’s borders. Our security forces are actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations, particularly along the northern border, with a firm commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining regional stability,” the statement said.

The Ministry also dismissed the notion of a “non-aggression” policy or any tacit agreement with militant groups.

“Any suggestion that Ghana passively facilitates extremist activities or is permissive towards threats is not only false but undermines the vigilance of our security personnel and the substantial investments the government continues to make to strengthen border security,” it added.

The statement further noted that the government, through its state security and intelligence agencies, conducts continuous operations to prevent terrorist infiltration and cross-border movements of militants, achieving notable successes over the years.

It highlighted Ghana’s unwavering collaboration with neighbouring countries, reinforcing intelligence sharing and operational coordination to tackle shared security threats in the region.

“The Ministry of National Security urges the public and the international community to disregard these erroneous and irresponsible reports.

“The Government of Ghana remains committed to upholding national security, safeguarding the safety and well-being of citizens, and supporting regional counter-terrorism efforts without compromise,” the statement added.