Accra: Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Dean of Academic Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, has issued a stark warning regarding the security risks posed by ungoverned border areas, which could potentially facilitate extremist attacks. He highlighted ‘Dollar Power’ in the Bole District as a particularly vulnerable area, where he noted that over 90 percent of the illegal mining activities are conducted by non-Ghanaians.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Antwi-Danso expressed concern that if terrorists collaborate with these individuals and secure a foothold, they could utilize such areas to launch attacks against the country. He emphasized these security threats in an interview, citing emerging extremist activities in neighboring countries as a significant concern.
Dr. Antwi-Danso, an expert in International Relations, specifically mentioned the risk of extremist activities in the Sahel, particularly from Burkina Faso, spilling over into areas like Bawku. This could potentially exacerbate the existing chieftaincy conflict between the Kusasis and Mamprusis. He warned that former combatants and jihadists could exploit Ghana’s porous borders by joining displaced persons from Burkina Faso to engage in extremist acts.
He further cautioned that the combination of poverty, deteriorating economic conditions, and the proliferation of arms in the Bawku area creates a fertile ground for criminal and jihadist influences. Dr. Antwi-Danso urged the government to prevent former combatants from entering these conflict-prone regions, as their presence could destabilize the country.
Dr. Antwi-Danso also praised former President Mahama for his diplomatic efforts in engaging with Sahelian countries that have withdrawn from ECOWAS, encouraging their return. He noted that the exit of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES), consisting of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has had economic and structural implications for ECOWAS.
He explained that shared language, currency, and common security threats like terrorism prompted these Sahelian states to form the AES. Dr. Antwi-Danso highlighted their previous reliance on ECOWAS for support in combating jihadists, which did not materialize, motivating them to unite for a common cause.
Dr. Antwi-Danso concluded by warning that unless ECOWAS undergoes reforms, other countries might also consider leaving the organization. He called for bridging the gap between policy and implementation and strengthening integration to foster development within the region.
