Ghana will remain vigilant against violent extremism and terrorism despite recording no attacks, Brigadier General Timothy Dr Ba‑Taa‑Banah, Director of the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre (NCTFC), has said.
He explained that the country’s zero‑attack record was the result of deliberate strategies and proactive measures implemented over the years, which would be sustained.
Brig. Gen. Ba‑Taa‑Banah made the remarks at the opening of a three‑day stakeholder engagement in Accra to review the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
“That we haven’t recorded any casualties on home soil is a product of a fine mix of measures. But it doesn’t mean we are immune, nor does it give us room for complacency. All stakeholders involved in this holistic approach must remain vigilant and proactive,” he stated.
The forum, organised by the Government of Ghana through the NCTFC with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together representatives from government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, religious bodies and youth groups.
Participants are reviewing the 2019 framework to ensure its continued relevance in the face of evolving threats, including artificial intelligence‑driven disinformation, sophisticated terror financing and online radicalisation.
Brig. Gen. Ba‑Taa‑Banah noted that Africa had experienced multiple terrorist attacks since the late 1990s, citing incidents in Tanzania and Kenya.
He cautioned that although Ghana had remained largely unaffected, rising extremism in neighbouring countries, particularly in the Sahel, required sustained vigilance.
“Without an economy which is strong enough, you can’t boast of a defence system that is resilient… we may not have suffered a direct loss of lives from Paga right down to Aflao, but it doesn’t mean that the fortunes of the economy of the country have not been negatively impacted,” he added.
The review has covered 11 of the 16 administrative regions, with consultations involving citizens, professional bodies, and local stakeholders.
Security officials are expected to assess implementation of the framework, identify gaps and develop recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s preventive and response mechanisms.
Miss Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, commended Ghana’s inclusive approach, highlighting the role of youth, women and local communities in countering violent extremism.
She cited the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, noting that the Sahel accounted for more than 51 per cent of global terrorism‑related deaths, with Burkina Faso the most affected country.
“According to UNDP’s 2023 Journey to Extremism report, worsening economic conditions, unemployment, and widespread poverty are key factors driving individuals toward violent extremism,” she said.
Ms Hussein cautioned that Ghana’s democratic stability should not be taken for granted. “In 2014, Burkina Faso had no records of deaths related to terrorism, but 10 years down the line, it is on the top of the index.
“This stark shift offers a troubling reminder of how quickly security conditions can deteriorate within a single decade,” she added.
Ms Hussein said addressing violent extremism required a clear strategy involving all stakeholders, and urged participants to review implementation progress while incorporating emerging threats such as artificial intelligence and online hate speech.
She assured of UNDP’s continued support through capacity building, technical expertise and partnerships to strengthen community resilience.
The United Nations Development Programme, established in 1965, is the UN’s global development network focused on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience across 170 countries, in line with the 2030 Agenda.
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