Ghana Government denies harboring Islamist Militants from Burkina Faso

Oct 25, 2024 - 21:26

Accra, Ghana - October 25, 2024 - The Ghanaian government has issued a strong denial of reports claiming that Islamist militants from Burkina Faso are using northern Ghana as a covert base for logistical and medical support.

Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, the government spokesperson on security matters, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and emphasized that cross-border activities between Ghana and Burkina Faso are primarily trade-focused and legitimate.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on October 25, 2024, Boakye-Danquah reassured citizens that the government remains vigilant, working closely with security agencies to monitor potential threats and ensure the northern border regions remain secure.

He reiterated that the government's priority is to uphold stability and safety for its citizens, dismissing the claims as unverified and lacking substantive evidence.

Boakye-Danquah clarified that individuals traveling from Burkina Faso to Ghana are mainly engaged in trade or picking up goods from the harbor. He explained that sometimes these individuals use official vehicles due to exorbitant truck-hiring costs in Burkina Faso.

“I want to put out very clearly that the Reuters story is misleading…We have people who travel from Burkina Faso to come into Ghana either to do trade or to pick up things from the harbour. So, there are instances where oftentimes they are not able to hire trucks and the trucks are charging very huge amounts from the government in Burkina Faso.

“You find that they will use official vehicles of that nature. We allow them to be able to come in and pick up whatever they need at the port and send it back into their country. So, the story is not what it is, it is misrepresenting,” he stated.

This denial comes amidst concerns about the spread of Islamist insurgency in West Africa. Burkina Faso has been grappling with jihadist violence, resulting in thousands of displaced persons seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including Ghana. However, Ghana's government maintains that its borders are secure, and it is committed to protecting its citizens.

Background on the Conflict

- The Sahel region has witnessed escalating jihadist violence, with over 4 million people displaced and at least 42,000 killed in the past 12 years.
- Ghana has registered over 3,000 Burkinabè refugees, primarily from Mossi, Kusasi, and Bissa communities.
- Fulani rights groups have alleged that Ghana has been expelling ethnic Fulani asylum seekers, targeting a community unfairly accused of supporting the insurgency.

Source: Lead News Online