Ghana's Security: A Nation on the Slippery Slope to Instability

I consider it a compelling social and patriotic duty to periodically enlighten the general public with my writings on this platform. In this piece, my aim is to share facts—not falsehoods—with those who value the truth and engage in civil discourse. This article is written with no malice, grounded solely in the realities we face today, which is the current state of our security and how the short term future looks: Ghana's security: a nation on a slippery slope to instability.

I have addressed the subject of Ghana’s security several times in the past in some of my write ups, and once again, I find it necessary to revisit this critical issue. Ghana, historically known for its relative stability and celebrated as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa—and by extension, the world—is now grappling with events that threaten the very foundation of its security. Despite decades of peace, recent developments continue to place the country on a precarious path. If these issues are not addressed immediately by relevant stakeholders, the stability we so cherish and have vaunted about it could vanish into thin air.

Post Independent Ghana’s Security Landscape: Military Coups and Instability

Ghana’s journey to its current state of political stability has been anything but straightforward. Long before the country’s first major post-independence crisis—the overthrow of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on February 24, 1966—there were already significant security threats brewing beneath the surface. Nkrumah, the country's first president and a champion of African socialism, faced increasing opposition during his rule. These tensions manifested in several assassination attempts, with the most infamous being the Kulungugu Bombing in August 1962.

The bombing occurred as Nkrumah returned from a diplomatic visit to the Upper East Region. A crowd had gathered to hear him speak when a bomb was detonated, narrowly missing the president but killing several bystanders. This incident was a stark reminder of the growing hostility against Nkrumah's government, which was increasingly seen as authoritarian.

The Kulungugu attack, among other internal tensions, foreshadowed the eventual military coup that would oust Nkrumah from power. His overthrow in 1966 by the National Liberation Council marked the first of many military interventions in Ghana’s political landscape. This event set the stage for a series of coups that would destabilize the nation in the following decades.

Just a few years after Nkrumah’s ousting, General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong led a coup in 1972, toppling the government of Dr. Kofi Busia, which had struggled to navigate economic challenges and mounting discontent. Acheampong’s rule, however, would also be short-lived, ending with a palace coup in 1978. The cycle of instability continued, culminating in the June 4, 1979 revolution, led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, who overthrew yet another military regime. Although Rawlings initially handed over power to a civilian government, he returned in December 1981, this time to lead the country as a military ruler until the transition to democracy in 1992.

These military takeovers plunged Ghana into what is often referred to as the "dark days"—a period marked by political unrest, economic hardship, and repression. Security became a pressing concern as military regimes ruled with authoritarian control, often sidelining the rule of law. Among the darkest episodes of this era was the execution by firing squad of several prominent figures, including senior judges—an event that continues to haunt the nation’s collective memory.

The Return to Democracy and Relative Stability

Since returning to constitutional rule in 1992, Ghana has made notable strides in strengthening its democracy and reducing political instability. The transition to democratic governance has seen a sharp decline in human rights abuses, positioning the country as a beacon of peace on the African continent. Despite facing occasional security challenges—most notably tribal and chieftaincy disputes, such as the protracted Bawku conflict—these tensions have largely remained contained, preventing any escalation into broader national unrest.

Ghana’s government and security forces have worked diligently to manage these localized conflicts, ensuring that they do not compromise the nation’s overall stability. Through a blend of proactive measures and conflict-resolution efforts, Ghana has managed to maintain its standing as a relatively stable society, even amid these recurring and recent internal challenges.

Recent and Growing Security Challenges: The Slippery Slope

While Ghana's security situation has remained relatively stable since 1992, a closer examination of recent security challenges reveals troubling developments that indicate a gradual erosion of the country's security. Over the past months and years, several significant issues have emerged, posing potential threats to national stability. Unfortunately, stakeholders in positions of authority often treat these challenges as trivial matters, undermining the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

Illegal Mining Crisis - “Galamsey”

One of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana today is the illegal mining crisis, commonly referred to as "galamsey." Initially seen as a localized issue, galamsey has evolved into a major national security threat. Uncontrolled mining activities have devastated vast areas of land and water bodies, resulting in serious public health and environmental risks. Beyond this environmental degradation, the situation has escalated into organized crime syndicates, with those involved increasingly armed and violent, resorting to self-defense against any opposition.

The government's failure to effectively address this crisis has become evident in recent national discussions. Two parliamentarians, representing the country’s two major political parties that have governed since 1992, have shifted the focus away from treating galamsey as a critical national security challenge. Instead, they have devolved into a debate over which administration has polluted the environment less or more.

Compounding the problem are the traditional rulers, the custodians of the land where these illegal activities take place. The revered chieftaincy institutions have become increasingly divided in their responses to galamsey. While some traditional leaders openly condemn these practices, others remain complicit, likely benefiting financially from the illegal trade. This lack of unity among traditional authorities makes the fight against galamsey even more challenging.

The differing stances among these relevant actors create a divisive atmosphere, undermining efforts to form a united front against this threat. The menace clearly exemplifies organized crime, operating as a networked problem where perpetrators collaborate effectively in their illicit activities. Unfortunately, our national response has also become fragmented and divisive. This disjointed approach has ultimately led to a loss in the battle against galamsey, pushing our national security to the brink of succumbing to this issue if we do not take a decisive action.

Ethnic Tensions Online
Another concern is an ongoing troubling trend: the rise of ethnic and religious tensions, particularly manifesting on social media platforms. Initially, these online spaces were created by members belonging to various groups to promote their ideologies and foster understanding among themselves. However, they have increasingly transformed into hubs of hostile rhetoric, where attacks on perceived rival groups have become alarmingly common.

What began as platforms for cultural or religious education, entertainment, and information has shifted to online arenas for activism, which has now escalated into a form of extremism—an online version that poses significant risks. This escalation threatens to incite violence against rival groups and could even lead to acts of terrorism. Alarmingly, the state security apparatus appears either unaware of or ill-equipped to address this growing threat.

Indeed, there is an ethnic and tribal conflict brewing in Ghana, primarily manifesting in online discourse. If immediate action is not taken, this discord could spill over into the real world, where it may become unmanageable. It is crucial that we recognize the existence and seriousness of this situation before it escalates beyond our capacity to respond effectively.

Sophisticated Human Trafficking
Equally troubling is the rise in human trafficking, as Ghana increasingly serves as both a destination and a transit hub for traffickers. Individuals from neighbouring countries are lured into Ghana under false pretenses, only to find themselves coerced into prostitution, forced labour, or criminal activities such as robbery.

Alarmingly, Ghanaians are also falling victim to trafficking schemes, with some being sent abroad under deceptive promises. A recent report by TV3 Ghana revealed the plight of over ten Ghanaians who were enticed to Russia with assurances of employment, only to be thrust onto the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war. This disturbing situation raises critical questions about how these perpetrators successfully transported innocent individuals out of Ghana without facing apprehension.

It is particularly disappointing that we are learning about these issues not from state security institutions or government sources, but rather from a private media outlet. This situation underscores a significant gap in the oversight and responsiveness of our security agencies, which should be at the forefront of combating such heinous crimes.

Currently, the standard response to this crisis involves efforts by the state to repatriate the affected individuals. However, even if the Ghanaian embassy in Russia and the state security apparatus manage to bring them home, the risks associated with their experiences remain a significant concern. These returnees may have been exposed to sophisticated weaponry and warfare tactics, which could pose new challenges upon their return to Ghana.

The pressing question now is: how did innocent Ghanaians get trafficked to the Russia-Ukraine war front?

The 2024 Elections: A Brewing Storm
As Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections, a significant security threat looms on the horizon. Despite the country's commendable track record of conducting elections since its return to democracy, election seasons across Africa are often fraught with tension, and Ghana is no exception. In my previous article titled “Election 2020 Dynamics – A Serious Threat to Ghana’s Security,” I highlighted the risks associated with the 2020 elections, predicting challenges that ultimately came to fruition, with eight lives tragically lost during that period.

The political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections is even more concerning. Growing distrust in the Electoral Commission (EC), particularly among the biggest opposition party, has prompted calls for an audit of the EC’s electoral register and IT systems. The ruling party has resisted these demands and threatened to take to the streets if the EC concedes to the opposition's requests, further deepening the polarization within the country. This increasing trust deficit could turn the upcoming elections into a far greater security challenge than previous ones.

Other Recent Social Tensions:
Compounding this political tension are numerous labour union strikes that have become commonplace in the pre-election period. Recently, labour unions threatened a nationwide strike, demanding a state of emergency and a total ban on mining activities. These threats, along with ongoing demonstrations by various activist groups, contribute to a growing sense of unease among the populace.

Moreover, Ghana has experienced a rise in violent incidents in schools, including stabbings among high school students—an occurrence previously unheard of in our society. Social media platforms have also become breeding grounds for further agitation, with widespread online attacks and inflammatory rhetoric worsening the situation.

The prevailing economic hardships—characterised by rising unemployment, inflation, and widespread poverty—have only intensified these tensions. These economic challenges, alongside security issues, have created an atmosphere of discontent, with many perceiving the situation as a precursor to a larger crisis. While some may argue that pre-election tensions are a normal aspect of Ghanaian politics, as I have observed them in every election cycle since 1992, the current climate leading up to the 2024 elections is particularly critical. It is imperative that stakeholders act swiftly to prevent the nation from descending into chaos

Conclusion: A Nation on the Brink
The latest occurrences posing security challenges in the country today—the rise of galamsey mafias, online ethnic and tribal tensions, human trafficking, the looming 2024 elections, and other social tensions—represent only a fraction of the broader security threats. While Ghana has made significant progress in our security since its return to democratic governance, the failure to effectively address these pressing issues will allow them to escalate. If these concerns are not tackled urgently, the stability we have long cherished will continue to erode, pushing the nation closer to a state of instability.

By highlighting these critical issues, I hope that relevant authorities—including the government, security institutions, political parties, the Electoral Commission, civil society, the diplomatic community, and, of course, the citizens—will take decisive action to avert a national crisis and ensure that Ghana's security remains intact. Together, we can uphold the values of peace and stability that define our nation.