The Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso has clarified that he is more concerned about other issues than the likelihood of Ghana experiencing a military coup.
He pointed out that Ghana seems to be a safe haven, even amid the numerous coup attempts in the surrounding region. This stability is attributed to the effective functioning of institutions.
Dr. Antwi-Danso emphasized that despite this stability, Ghana should remain vigilant about other internal security challenges, such as ungoverned areas.
“We are only safe because there is a semblance of the ballot to the next ballot. There is also a semblance of participation because of the way we do things; there’s a semblance of institutional presence—institutions of state are working in Ghana. These are some of the things that are saving Ghana and making Ghana safe from coups.
In an interview with Ghanaweb, he explained “But there are several other things we need to watch out for: incessant feuds like tribal feuds and wars around us; we should be very careful about that. And again, ungoverned spaces – spaces where government is not felt. Dollar Power is one such place. Bawku and other areas where there are feuds, I fear that as insecurity on the state, rather than coups,”
Regarding the state of security in Ghana amidst recent coups in Africa, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso emphasized the need for careful monitoring of Bawku.
He pointed out that, similar to what transpired in Mali, there is a risk that any of the conflicting factions in Bawku could seek support from jihadist groups in the region if not properly managed.
This underscores the importance of addressing the security situation in Bawku to prevent potential destabilization.
This, he added, would not augur well for Ghana and should be carefully looked at since it can be worse than a coup d’état.
“Because, the Bawku situation, for example, can invite terrorists. In fact, Mali started off this way, with internecine feuds among the tribes… and they invited Al Qaeda, then later on, other groups also invited ISIS and they have formed what is called ISWAP (ISIS in West African Province).
“So, if we don’t take care, one of the Bawku factions can invite any of the jihadists to come and help them. I’m more afraid about these than a coup in Ghana,” he added.