Security agencies in Ghana reported over 300 arrests related to alleged attempts at extremist recruitment along the country’s northern border between 2023 and 2025, as disclosed by Majority Leader James Agalga. These arrests were part of efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies to thwart extremist groups operating in the sub-region from recruiting individuals in Ghana. During the same period, agencies recorded 47 cross-border incursions, highlighting the security challenges facing the country’s northern frontier.
Mr. Agalga emphasised that Ghana’s relative stability should not lead to complacency, given the country’s geographical location and its proximity to states affected by violent extremism. He called for enhanced border security and improved intelligence-gathering mechanisms to prevent extremist networks from establishing a presence in Ghana.
Although we have remained relatively stable, we are not insulated,” stated Mr. James Agalga, Chair of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. He disclosed that between 2023 and 2025, the Ghana Armed Forces and security agencies recorded 47 cross‑border incursions and made over 300 arrests linked to extremist recruitment attempts along the northern frontier.
Speaking at the 9th REPAM‑CDS Security Governance Conference, Mr. Agalga urged stronger national security and governance systems to confront emerging threats. He further highlighted a 12.3 percent rise in cybercrime and fraud cases in 2024 as evidence of the shifting security landscape. “These data points tell us one thing: threats are transnational, asymmetric, and they test the very governance structures we are mandated to oversee,” he emphasized.
