Security analyst Andrews Asiedu Tetteh has urged former President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize addressing Ghana’s internal security challenges before moving to include Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in a new regional security platform.
In an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Mr. Tetteh acknowledged that the proposal to create a new regional security framework is not inherently misguided.
He noted that instability in neighboring states inevitably creates ripple effects in Ghana, citing the recent influx of Ivorian citizens seeking refuge from electoral violence.
Similarly, ongoing security crises, particularly in Burkina Faso, present a risk of rebel spillover into Ghana, making regional cooperation necessary.
However, the analyst stressed that while the concept of “charity begins at home” should not preclude regional engagement, Ghana is currently struggling to maintain peace and stability within its own borders.
He argued that it would be more prudent to first invest time and resources in resolving critical domestic issues.
Mr. Tetteh specifically highlighted the need for the President to decisively address the protracted Bawku crisis and the pervasive threat of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), which he described as a major security threat to the nation. Only after firm progress is made on these internal matters should the country extend its hands to lead complex international initiatives.
Furthermore, Mr. Tetteh argued that rather than creating a fragmented new platform, the focus should be on strengthening the existing framework.
He suggested it would be more effective to convince the three withdrawing countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) to return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and allow for necessary amendments and reforms within the existing body.
Creating multiple security platforms, he concluded, would ultimately compromise coordination and effectiveness across the sub-region.
”It would be prudent to convince these three countries to return to ECOWAS rather than creating a new platform. We have the opportunity to make amendments. Ghana is still part of the United Nations despite its disagreements with some articles and proposals of the body. We should avoid creating multiple platforms, as this will ultimately compromise coordination and effectiveness.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana