International Relations expert Dr. Emmanuel Kobla Klovor has warned that governments that fail to address the real needs of their citizens risk creating conditions that fuel terrorism and violent extremism.

Speaking on security challenges in West Africa via a zoom meeting on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Dr. Klovor stressed that every terrorist group first studies the culture and geographical characteristics of an area before establishing operations, making community awareness and local intelligence crucial in preventing attacks.
He also linked unregulated illegal mining to the rise of extremism, arguing that the two are increasingly interconnected.

According to him, the presence of foreigners in illegal mining communities poses serious security concerns and should not be ignored.
Dr. Klovor further observed that many unemployed people lacking infrastructure in their communities and opportunities are easily recruited into criminal and extremist activities, calling for greater investment in jobs and development.

He criticized what he described as poor coordination and inadequate public sensitization, particularly along the coastal and northern belts, where he said stronger collaboration is needed to tackle emerging threats.

The International Relations Expert also argued that several governments in West Africa have struggled to govern effectively, warning that when leaders become detached from the needs of citizens, they inadvertently create fertile ground for terrorist recruitment.
Dr. Klovor further urged West African countries to strengthen regional security cooperation instead of relying heavily on international actors, saying the region must build the capacity to confront its own security challenges

The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has called for urgent and practical action to address the growing threat of violent extremism in West Africa, warning that Ghana must move beyond rhetoric and confront the challenge head-on.

Speaking on the security situation in the sub-region via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Mr. Kotin questioned whether Ghana is adequately prepared for the spread of Sahel extremism, stressing that the country cannot afford complacency.

He welcomed the recent statement issued by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) saying it signals the need to shift from identifying security problems to implementing more effective counter-terrorism measures.

According to him, the security threats posed by Sahel extremist attacks and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea are fundamentally different and require distinct strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Security is very expensive. We must stop the talk and tackle the situation head-on,” he said.

Mr. Kotin further urged policymakers to focus on the underlying conditions that fuel insecurity, arguing that addressing the root causes is essential to achieving lasting peace.
He also emphasized the importance of understanding the geopolitical dynamics shaping the region, noting that with the right processes and coordinated action, the security challenges can be effectively managed.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the expansion of extremist activities across the Sahel and increasing calls for Ghana to strengthen its preparedness against emerging regional security threats.

The Chairman of Concerned Ghanaians in South Africa, Bra Moro, has dismissed claims that any Ghanaian was shot during the June 30, 2026, protest march in South Africa, insisting there is “no proven evidence” linking the demonstration to the death of any Ghanaian.

In a statement, Moro clarified that the only reported death involving a Ghanaian occurred on June 29, 2026, a day before the protest.

In a zoom interview with Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Moro insisted, the victim identified as Bashiru Isak, was allegedly shot dead in front of his shop by armed men after he failed to hand over money they demanded.
He explained that the incident was a criminal attack unrelated to the anti-immigrant demonstrations, stressing that several crime-prone communities in South Africa are controlled by gangs that extort residents under the guise of collecting “protection fees.”
Moro said victims who fail to meet the gangs’ demands are often attacked or killed, adding that even the police struggle to operate effectively in some of these areas.

He warned that attributing Bashiru Isak’s death to the June 30 protest would unfairly inflame tensions between Ghanaians and South Africans.

According to him, many Ghanaians still living in South Africa are worried that public comments from some Ghanaian leaders and returnees could worsen relations and expose them to greater danger.

Moro also criticized statements made by some returnees, describing them as “full of lies,” and revealed that they had earlier advised departing Ghanaians to avoid making inflammatory public remarks for the safety of those who remain in the country.

He maintained that many Ghanaians have coexisted peacefully with South Africans for decades and urged authorities to avoid spreading unverified claims that could fuel hostility.

By Maurice Otoo