The Emerging Threats of Terrorism in West Africa: An Analysis of Ghana’s Response

Abstract

Major events, throughout history, have necessitated some response from humanity. One of such major events that appear to have changed the global security scene was the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States by Al Qaeda terrorist group. Although many countries across the world started putting measures in place to address the resurging global terrorist threats, West Africa seemed to have been oblivious of the need to do same until the emergence of terrorist groups like AQIM, Ansaru, Ansar Al Dine and Boko Haram. These groups have intensified their terrorist activities in countries such as Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria, with the activities of most of these terror groups transcending national boundaries. With the potential of Ghana becoming a target for terrorists, this study analyses Ghana’s response to the emerging threats of terrorism in West Africa. The work investigates some of the mechanisms established by Ghana to prevent, counter or combat terrorism, and the adequacy of the measures put in place. Analysis of available data points to the fact that there are no terrorist groups or cells in Ghana, though there are some conditions that make Ghana vulnerable to terrorism. The research also reveals that Ghana has instituted some measures in the form of legislations, intelligence gathering and combat units to deal with any threat of terrorism. These measures, however, have some shortcomings that need to be tackled if Ghana is to succeed in preventing terrorism or effectively fighting it if it occurs. The work thus, proffers both long term and short term recommendations for policy consideration towards preventing terrorism in Ghana. These include the adoption of sound economic policies to address human security challenges, the introduction of political reforms to ensure participatory and all-inclusive political system and the provision of logistics and funding for agencies and institutions set up specifically for counter-terrorism. The study also recommends semi-autonomy for some of the frontline agencies like the NCRC and the FIC to enable them have some freedom of action to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, the research recommends increased public education on terrorism by institutions like the NCCA, the Media Commission and the Ghana Education Service.