Sahel insecurities threaten trade, investment and free movement in West Africa — Prof Kwesi Aning
Renowned security consultant Professor Kwesi Aning has observed that worsening insecurity in the Sahel is disrupting trade, investment and the free movement of people across West Africa, with significant implications for Ghana and the wider region.
He said the changing security landscape is weakening regional cooperation and is also creating new economic and diplomatic challenges that require African-led solutions.
Delivering a lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College's 50th Anniversary Republic Day Lecture, organised in collaboration with the One Ghana Movement, on Wednesday, July 1, Prof Kwesi Aning referenced the deadly attack on some Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso.
"The greatest challenge for us is the impact on trade dynamics and free movement. One is the loss of market access... the implications are there, and the implications are massive. They create trade facilitation challenges as AES countries seek to establish alternative frameworks," he said.
The security expert explained that the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from the regional bloc, coupled with shifting security alliances, has altered the region's economic and security architecture.
According to him, the instability has also increased investor uncertainty and created opportunities for organised crime and illicit trade to thrive.
Prof Aning noted that Ghana is not insulated from the consequences, noting that insecurity in neighbouring countries could affect cross-border commerce, raise the cost of border security and place additional pressure on national resources.
He also argued that the evolving regional security environment presents Ghana with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by helping shape a new framework for regional cooperation.
"We are seeing statements out of Abuja and Accra arguing for a new security reconfiguration. We are seeing coastal states engaging with the AES states through joint training and intelligence sharing, and I think this creates particular opportunities for Ghana," Prof Aning stated.