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Ghana along with Gulf of Guinea neighbours Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast was fast becoming the new frontline in the Sahel jihadist war. Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast have already been struck by gunmen from across their northern borders
Ghana along with Gulf of Guinea neighbours Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast was fast becoming the new frontline in the Sahel jihadist war. Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast have already been struck by gunmen from across their northern borders. Most recently Benin reported more than 20 armed incursions since 2021. Not to fall behind, Togo has suffered at least five attacks in that time. But the role of jihadists in violent activities has yet to be confirmed.
So far, Ghana has escaped a direct attack. As the country is tackling its worst economic and social fallout, the conflict to its north, its porous borders, a weaker state presence in the north, chronic smuggling, and intercommunal tensions can abet jihadism, experts say.
Ghana’s government heeded the threat early and has opted for a comprehensive strategy of beefed-up military presence and community outreach to ease tensions. It has also devised programs to support local populations to wean them away from the influence of the Jihadists.
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A French troop withdrawal from Mali in the face of mounting hostility with the military junta has refocused western partners to aid Gulf of Guinea nations battle the war’s southward spill-over. The British, US, and French officials met with the Gulf of Guinea governments in Accra late last year to discuss increased cooperation. In the meantime, aware of the imminent danger, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has stressed local cooperation with neighbouring countries through the Accra Initiative for Peace.
