Does Ghana, an island of stability in a region plagued by terrorism, serve as a rear base for jihadists operating in Burkina Faso? This is what a Reuters article published on Thursday October 24 suggests. Anonymous sources told the agency that the country would turn a blind eye to insurgent incursions coming to its territory to obtain supplies.
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The porosity of the northern border of Ghana600 km long, raises concerns. The Ghanaian ambassador acknowledged to Reuters news agency that jihadists were taking advantage of this to find refuge in Ghana, while denying the existence of a non-aggression pact with Islamist groups.
Ghana is today the only neighbor of Burkina Faso spared from terrorist attacks, which fuels speculation. But security expert Kwesi Aning brushes aside these rumors.
“ Just because Ghana has porous borders does not mean it is in cahoots with jihadists, he reports. The same ethnic groups live on both sides of the border, sharing common social lives such as funerals, football matches and festivals. »
Strengthened border security
The absence of attacks in the country is explained, according to him, by the interest of armed groups in preserving this rear base, in particular to exploit artisanal gold mines. Questioned by RFI, the chief commander in charge of operations in northern Ghana hung up on us.
Facing the terrorist threatGhana strengthens its border security. Accra has deployed 1,000 special forces on its northern border since April 2023, and says it is ready to collaborate with Burkina Faso to “ flush out » the jihadists.
Also readArthur Banga, researcher: “Jihadist groups have been recruiting in Ghana for years”