Ghana’s security still fragile as regional instability grows — President Mahama warns

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that Ghana cannot take its peace for granted, pointing to rising insecurity across West Africa as a growing threat to the nation’s stability.

Addressing cadet officers at the graduation ceremony of the Ghana Military Academy in Teshie on Friday, January 30, the President said violent extremism, terrorism and cross-border criminal networks are increasingly pressuring countries in the sub-region, particularly along Ghana’s northern frontiers.

He explained that modern security threats are no longer confined to traditional warfare, but are now driven by non-state actors, insurgent groups and asymmetric tactics that demand new approaches to national defence.

“Our security landscape is changing rapidly. The threats we face today are more complex and interconnected than ever before,” President Mahama noted.

He stressed that protecting Ghana’s peace cannot be left solely to the military and law enforcement agencies, describing national security as a collective duty.

According to him, citizens, traditional leaders, civil society groups and government institutions must work hand in hand to detect risks early and support security agencies in maintaining law and order.

President Mahama urged the public to stay alert and cooperate with authorities, warning that complacency could expose the country to the same instability affecting parts of the region.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security institutions, investing in modern defence strategies and ensuring the armed forces remain equipped to confront emerging threats.