Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that Ghana may have played a role in the United States airstrike carried out in Nigeria on Christmas Day as part of an international counterterrorism effort.
Speaking on the matter, Ablakwa explained that Ghana was approached by both Nigeria and the United States to collaborate on the operation. According to him, the involvement formed part of existing security cooperation arrangements aimed at addressing terrorism threats within the West African region.
The airstrike, which targeted suspected Islamic State militant camps in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State, was reportedly carried out by the United States in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The operation was aimed at weakening extremist groups operating in the region and preventing planned attacks against civilians.
Ablakwa emphasised that any collaboration involving Ghana was done with strict respect for national sovereignty and international protocols. He explained that such operations require formal invitations and clear agreements among the countries involved to prevent diplomatic tensions or unintended geopolitical consequences.
The foreign minister further noted that Ghana’s participation in regional security initiatives is guided by its national interest and the broader goal of maintaining peace and stability in West Africa. He said the country remains committed to working with international partners when necessary to confront the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel and neighbouring regions.
Ablakwa also highlighted Ghana’s internal security approach, stating that strong governance structures and consistent state presence across communities help prevent extremist groups from gaining influence. He explained that systems such as district level security councils, functioning local governments, and widespread security installations contribute significantly to the country’s ability to prevent terrorist infiltration.
He added that Ghana has managed to avoid major terrorist attacks despite the instability affecting nearby Sahel states such as Burkina Faso and Niger, where extremist groups have increased their activities in recent years.
The Christmas Day strikes in Nigeria were part of broader international efforts to combat militant networks operating across the Sahel region. Security experts say collaboration between countries has become increasingly important as extremist groups expand their operations across national borders.
Ablakwa’s remarks have sparked discussions about Ghana’s role in regional security operations and the level of cooperation between West African countries and international partners in addressing terrorism threats.
