Security Analyst Professor Kwasi Aning has expressed scepticism regarding a recent Reuters report claiming that Islamist militants from Burkina Faso are using parts of northern Ghana for logistical and medical support.
The report alleged that insurgents from Burkina Faso have been crossing into northern Ghana to access resources such as food, fuel, and medical care for injured fighters, reportedly with limited interference from Ghanaian authorities.
Reuters cited unnamed Ghanaian security officials and regional diplomats as sources for these claims.
However, in an interview with Citi News, Prof. Aning dismissed the report, suggesting it should be viewed with caution and not taken at face value.
He emphasized the importance of relying on verified information when assessing security matters, particularly given the complex dynamics in the region.
“Let’s not allow people to sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and write stories about us. Then we suddenly believe and suddenly want to spend a lot of time on it. I have travelled to those places and have stayed with people along the border, I have listened to them talk and have questioned them about extremists in their towns, and they looked at me as if I was a madman whether I think they would destroy the livelihoods they have built for themselves.
“I think this story must be discarded with the disgust and contempt it deserves. People make up stories because they want to see their names appear in the newspapers…This is not worth the paper it is printed on,” Professor Kwasi Aning said.