Ghana has criticized the Reuters news agency for “inaccurately” reporting the West African country as a “supply line” for militants as part of a “non-aggression” policy with the insurgency groups on the bloc.
In a report on October 24 with reference to a publication by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael), the UK-based news organization alleged that Islamist militants are using northern Ghana as a logistical and medical base to support their insurgent activities.
It claimed, “Ghanaian authorities appeared to be largely turning a blind eye to insurgents crossing from neighbouring Burkina Faso to obtain food, fuel, and even explosives, as well as receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.”
The Ministry of National Security denied the allegation, condemning the publication as “nothing but an unwarranted slur”.
“Reuters, without doing any verifications of their own, referenced an already discredited publication by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Clingendael). That publication has since been challenged and errors pointed out to them by the National Security Ministry.
“Clingendael, the only source of the Reuters report, inaccurately and oddly suggests that Ghana’s lack of terrorist attacks results from a purported ‘non-aggression’ understanding with militant groups to preserve supply lines and places of rest. This assertion is entirely unfounded, misleading and rather curious.”
It asserted that Ghana is undertaking a relentless regional and global fight against terrorism with significant investment of resources in keeping the country’s borders safe.
“Our security forces are actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts, particularly along our northern border, with a firm commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining regional stability.”
It therefore urged the public and the international community to disregard the publications.
“The Ministry of National Security therefore calls on the public and international community to disregard these erroneous and irresponsible reports. The Ghana Government will remain steadfast and not relent on its responsibility to uphold national security and safeguard the safety and wellbeing of its citizens and we shall continue to do so without compromising on the wider regional counter-terrorism efforts.”
Source:opemsuo.com