The Ministry of National Security is deeply worried about a recent Reuters report that incorrectly states Islamist militants are using northern Ghana for support in their insurgent acts.
The Ministry released a statement on Friday, October 25, criticizing the Reuters report for being filled with inaccuracies.
A report by Reuters incorrectly indicated that Ghanaian officials seemed to be mostly ignoring insurgents coming from Burkina Faso to get supplies and medical care in local hospitals.
However, the Ministry claimed that Reuters had not verified independently and had instead relied on a publication by Clingendael, which had been discredited in the past.
The Ministry had already challenged the publication, pointing out numerous errors.
The Ministry stated that the only source of Clingendael-Reuters had inaccurately implied that Ghana’s absence of terrorist attacks was due to an alleged agreement with militant groups to protect supply routes and safe areas.
“This assertion is entirely unfounded, misleading, and rather curious,” the Ministry said, dismissing the claims as an “unwarranted slur on Ghana.”
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.
It was mentioned that the Government, using its State Security and Intelligence Agencies, carries out ongoing missions to stop terrorists from entering the country and militants from crossing borders, leading to noticeable achievements overtime.
It emphasized Ghana’s consistent cooperation with neighboring nations, strengthening information sharing and operational coordination to address common security challenges in the area.
“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.
NKONKONSA.com