Islamist militants involved in Burkina Faso’s insurgency are reportedly using northern Ghana as a logistical base to procure supplies, access medical care, and recruit new members. Ghana’s 600-kilometer border with Burkina Faso makes the area vulnerable, especially as groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State aim to expand southward into West Africa. While Ghana has avoided direct attacks, a combination of monitoring, joint operations with neighboring countries, and some informal tolerance appears to allow militants safe passage without sparking violence.
The Clingendael Institute suggests that Ghana’s strategy involves quiet handling of the situation to avoid provoking attacks, though some officials deny any deliberate non-aggression pact. Meanwhile, explosives and supplies sourced from Ghana have been traced to attacks in Mali, and recruitment among local communities raises concerns that the insurgency could gain traction within Ghana. With elections approaching in December and security a priority, Ghana is balancing efforts to maintain regional stability while mitigating risks of internal escalation.