Despite recording no violent attacks on its soil, Ghana is intensifying efforts to prevent terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing proactive strategies and regional cooperation, Brigadier General Timothy Dr Ba‑Taa‑Banah, Director of the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre (NCTFC), has said.
Speaking at the launch of a three-day stakeholder engagement in Accra, Brig. Gen. Ba‑Taa‑Banah highlighted that Ghana’s “zero-attack” record is the result of deliberate, multi-sector measures, but cautioned that the country cannot afford complacency amid rising threats in neighbouring Sahel countries.
“While Ghana has not experienced casualties from extremism, vigilance remains essential. Emerging threats such as AI-driven disinformation, terror financing, and online radicalisation demand a sustained, holistic response,” he stated.
The forum, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together government agencies, security services, civil society, youth groups, and religious bodies to review and update the 2019 National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism. Discussions focused on adapting the framework to address evolving risks and reinforcing community-level resilience.
Miss Shaima Hussein, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, noted that worsening economic conditions, unemployment, and poverty can drive individuals toward violent extremism, citing the Sahel as the epicenter of global terrorism-related deaths. She urged Ghana to remain alert, stressing that democratic stability and security must be actively safeguarded.
Brig. Gen. Ba‑Taa‑Banah also linked national economic strength to security resilience, stressing that even in the absence of attacks, economic vulnerabilities could be exploited by extremists.
The stakeholder engagement has already consulted 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions, integrating perspectives from citizens, professional bodies, and local leaders. Security officials are set to identify gaps in implementation and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen preventive and response mechanisms.
UNDP reaffirmed its support for Ghana through capacity building, technical assistance, and community-focused partnerships, aiming to ensure that the country remains resilient to the evolving threats of violent extremism.
