Islamist militants from Burkina Faso are discreetly using parts of northern Ghana as a hub for logistical operations and medical treatment, according to information from Ghanaian security officials and regional diplomats.
These militants, who have been involved in the conflict ravaging Burkina Faso, are reportedly crossing the border into Ghana to acquire essential supplies such as food, fuel, and explosives, while also seeking medical assistance for their wounded fighters.
While Ghana has so far been spared the violent attacks that have destabilized neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, concerns are growing that the militants’ unchecked movements could eventually lead to deeper infiltration into Ghanaian territory.
“Militants are taking advantage of the porous nature of our borders and view Ghana as a safe refuge,” said Boniface Gambila Adagbila, Ghana’s ambassador to Burkina Faso.
He dismissed claims that the Ghanaian government had entered into a non-aggression agreement with the jihadists but acknowledged ongoing cooperation with Burkina Faso to address the situation.
The insurgents in question belong to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), which has already extended its operations from Mali into Burkina Faso and is reportedly eyeing Ghana, Togo, and Benin as future targets.
A leader of JNIM, in an interview with French media, hinted at the group’s intention to broaden its activities into these countries.
A senior security official in Ghana, speaking anonymously, suggested that the militants have yet to launch attacks in Ghana because they see it as a strategic base.
“You don’t destroy the place you consider a sanctuary,” the official noted.
Experts, including Aaron Atimpe, warn that while militants are currently using Ghana for logistical purposes, there are growing concerns about the recruitment of locals into their ranks.
“There are signs of radicalization and recruitment happening within northern communities,” Atimpe said, emphasizing the potential long-term risks of the militants’ presence.
A report by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael) indicates that Ghana has managed to avoid large-scale attacks partly by adopting a “non-aggression” strategy, allowing militants safe passage while avoiding direct confrontation.
However, the report cautions that this approach could backfire, enabling the militants to establish a stronger foothold in the region.
Ghanaian authorities are quietly monitoring the situation and have reportedly apprehended several militants, handing them over to officials in Burkina Faso for further action.