Ghana-US Sahel Plan?

8 months ago
88

This is a cringeworthy exchange.

It's Ghana’s president calling on the US to help address the threat of “Russian mercenaries” in West Africa.

Nana Akufo-Addo made the plea to Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Washington last December. And accuses Burkina Faso of employing private military firm Wagner.

But does Ghana’s Oxford-educated leader seriously think it's the region’s biggest danger?

Firstly, Ibrahim Traore’s administration denies the allegations.

Secondly, Burkina and neighbours Mali and Niger are battling a far greater security problem- an armed insurgency fuelled by the NATO-led bombing of Libya in 2011.

Thirdly, Western (mainly French) troops have failed miserably at tackling this threat - with 40 per cent of Burkina now controlled by terrorists.

Fourthly, if Akufo-Addo doesn't want these nations looking elsewhere for security partnerships, shouldn’t he have sent his men to help their brothers?

And lastly, does he not know who overthrew Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah?

We seem to remember overwhelming evidence points to American involvement.

Ok, it was a long time ago, but forgive us for feeling Ghana’s inviting the fox into the chicken coop.

Thoughts please.

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