'Ghana has been whether very apt or lucky to avoid terror attacks but threat remains' — Swiss Ambassador
The outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Benin and Togo, Simone Giger, has urged Ghana to remain vigilant against the growing threat of violent extremism, warning that insecurity in the Sahel continues to spread towards the coastal states of West Africa.
She observed that although Ghana has so far escaped major terrorist attacks, the worsening security situation in neighbouring countries means the country cannot afford to lower its guard.
Ambassador Giger said Switzerland has been closely monitoring the deteriorating security landscape across the sub-region, particularly in Benin and Togo.
“We all know what is going on in the Sahel, and we have been concerned. We’re seeing also, especially in Benin and Togo, the encroachment towards the coastal states,” she said in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, July 9.
The ambassador commended Ghana's efforts in preventing major terrorist incidents, describing the country's record as a combination of effective security measures and good fortune.
“Ghana has been, I don’t know whether very apt or very lucky, or a combination of the two, that you haven’t really seen any major terrorist attacks on your territory. But it’s something that we are observing, obviously, with great concern,” she stated.
Ambassador Giger, who is responsible for Switzerland's diplomatic relations with Ghana, Benin and Togo, said the governments of all three countries have recognised the growing security threat and are strengthening their responses.
“I do believe that all three countries I’m responsible for have really understood that this is a major challenge and that they have to ramp up their security response,” she said.
She, however, stressed that security operations alone would not be enough to defeat violent extremism, arguing that long-term investments aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity are equally important.
“I also am convinced that all three countries understood that this is also a question of long-term prevention, working on the root causes,” she said.
According to the ambassador, Ghana, Benin and Togo have increasingly prioritised investment in their northern regions to improve livelihoods and reduce the vulnerability of communities to extremist recruitment.
“I see Benin, Togo and Ghana have really started to invest in their northern territories and think that if people are disgruntled, if they’re unhappy, they are vulnerable,” she noted.
Expressing optimism about the region's ability to contain the threat, Ambassador Giger said she would continue to follow developments after leaving office.