Islamist militants from Burkina Faso are reportedly utilizing northern Ghana as a logistical and medical support base as they seek to expand their influence across West Africa. Seven sources, including security officials and diplomats, have informed Reuters that these jihadists are discreetly stockpiling food, fuel, and explosives while also seeking medical treatment for injured fighters in local hospitals. This development comes as Burkina Faso has lost control of significant territory to the pro-Al-Qaeda group JNIM.
According to a recent report by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, Clingendael, Ghana appears to have informally accepted a non-aggression pact with JNIM, a situation that experts warn could allow militants to establish a stronger foothold in the country. Kars De Bruijne from Clingendael noted that there have been several incidents suggesting JNIM or its associates have been active in Ghana, raising alarm over potential recruitment and procurement efforts by the group.
As Ghana approaches its elections on December 7, the government is prioritizing national security to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Ghana is recognized as a stable democracy with close ties to Western nations, and officials are aware of the risks posed by extremist groups. De Bruijne emphasized that JNIM would likely avoid attacking Ghana directly, as it would jeopardize their own supply lines and safe havens.
While Ghana has yet to experience a major attack, the situation remains tense. The country’s ambassador to Burkina Faso denied any allegations of a non-aggression pact, asserting that Ghana is actively cooperating with Burkina Faso to eliminate jihadist threats. The broader context of the Sahel region reveals a growing concern, as factions aligned with both al-Qaeda and ISIS continue to expand their operations, posing serious challenges to regional stability.
