Ghana, Germany unite against terrorism threat in West Africa

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday joined forces to address the escalating terrorism threat in West Africa, with a particular focus on the Sahel region.

Expressing their shared concerns in a meeting in Ghana’s capital Accra, both leaders emphasized the need for proactive measures against potential terrorist attacks and underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in combating the growing challenge.

Akufo-Addo pointed out that Mali initially experienced the brunt of militant attacks in the region. However, over the past decade, the threat has extended its reach, affecting various parts of West Africa.

The Ghanaian president stressed that all West African nations, including those not directly targeted, such as Ghana, must take substantial precautions to safeguard against potential terrorist attacks.

Ghana, which recognizes the critical role of partnerships in addressing this shared concern, regards Germany as a pivotal ally in their collective endeavor and seeks support in mobilizing military resources to bolster regional security, the president added.

Scholz, for his part, said recent coups in the West African countries have hampered the cooperation between the regional countries.

Germany and the EU are determined to improve security in the West Africa, he said.

Scholz also dubbed Ghana as a close partner for Germany.

The German chancellor's visit to Ghana marked the conclusion of his three-day tour of West Africa, which also included a visit to Nigeria. During his visit to Nigeria, Scholz expressed a strong desire to strengthen energy cooperation.