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Ghana Signs Defence Deal With EU To Counter Regional Militant Threat
Ghana has signed a landmark defense agreement with the European Union aimed at strengthening security cooperation as Islamist militant activity intensifies across neighboring countries.
The pact was signed in Accra by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang. It focuses on collaboration in areas including counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
Opoku Agyemang said Ghana is the first African country to conclude such a defence arrangement with the EU.
Although Ghana has largely avoided direct militant attacks, the wider West African region has witnessed growing violence linked to affiliates of al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
At a joint press conference, Ghana’s national security coordinator Osman Abdul Razak said the agreement “signals the EU’s determination to support Ghana’s efforts at tackling emerging threats both at the national and at the regional levels”.
Kallas said the EU is supporting countries in the region such as Ghana to “counter terrorism, strengthen border security and enhance maritime security”.
During the visit to Accra, EU officials delivered drones, anti drone systems, bomb disposal vehicles and motorcycles to Ghana’s armed forces.
Militant groups linked to al Qaeda and IS have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali in recent years. They have also carried out attacks in Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo.
Humanitarian organisations estimate that about 2 million people have been displaced by insurgent violence in Burkina Faso over the past decade.
Security reports suggest militants frequently cross into Ghana from Burkina Faso to regroup when facing military pressure. They are also believed to use Ghana as a route for smuggling weapons, food and fuel.
