Security Is Expensive, Stop the Talk and Confront the Threat Head-On – Security Expert Warns on Sahel Extremism

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.