Ghana closer to terrorism threat than ever before – WACCE

The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) has issued a warning that Ghana faces an intensifying terrorism threat due to the spread of extremist violence in the Sahel and closer to the nation's borders. This rising risk is attributed to Ghana's geographical proximity to countries experiencing increased attacks, combined with internal socioeconomic issues.

During a 9/11 Memorial Dialogue in Accra, WACCE Executive Director Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar stated that Ghana is "now closer to the threat than ever before." Mr. Muqthar emphasized that terrorism was once considered a distant threat from countries like Mali, but the scenario has substantially evolved, especially with the expansion of extremist violence in Burkina Faso.

He highlighted that Burkina Faso had not witnessed terrorism before 2014, and its attacks are now closer to Ghana's borders. Additionally, Muqthar pointed out that the migration of individuals fleeing insecurity in Burkina Faso and other affected regions further necessitates Ghana's consideration of its security risks. Internal vulnerabilities, according to Muqthar, include widespread unemployment among young people, long-standing disputes, ethnic tensions, and prolonged conflicts, which could potentially be exploited by extremist groups.

The executive director warned that these factors, combined, make Ghana more vulnerable than ever before. This warning arrives amid a shifting global terrorism landscape, with the Sahel becoming a primary epicentre of terrorist activity. As per the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel accounts for more than half of worldwide terrorism-related deaths.

WACCE is urging the government to enhance investments in youth empowerment and to bolster community-based strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism. The Centre argues that addressing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, especially among young people, is crucial for building resilience in communities that might otherwise become susceptible to extremist recruitment and influence.

Building a stronger community-based response, alongside measures to tackle unemployment and local conflicts, would enable Ghana to better prepare for emerging extremist threats and safeguard vulnerable communities.