Ghana: A New Haven for Islamist Militants?

Islamist militants from Burkina Faso utilize northern Ghana as a logistical hub, potentially expanding their influence in West Africa. Ghanaian authorities, under pressure before December elections, adopt a cautious stance to prevent escalation, while neighboring countries face increased militant threats.

Islamist militants operating in Burkina Faso are quietly turning to northern Ghana as a strategic hub for their insurgency efforts, Reuters has learned from seven sources with insight into the situation. This may allow them to extend their reach across West Africa.

Sources, including Ghanaian security officials and regional diplomats, suggest that Ghanaian authorities are overlooking the militants' movements across the border to gather supplies and obtain medical care for their injured. Although this approach has kept Ghana relatively safe from attacks, it raises concerns about militants settling and recruiting in Ghana.

Ghana's government, while preparing for upcoming elections, is cautiously addressing the threat to maintain internal stability and relying on joint operations with Burkina Faso to manage the insurgency risk across the porous border.

(With inputs from agencies.)