In a bid to confront rising insecurity in Ghana and across Africa, the Embassy of the Czech Republic, in partnership with the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), hosted a workshop at the University of Ghana, Themed “Security is Borderless: How Africa and Europe’s Security are Connected,” the event focused on growing threats in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region.

Professor Peter Quartey, Acting Director of LECIAD and an economist at ISSER, underscored the importance of development as the foundation of national security.

He noted that “when governments deliver on promises, reduce poverty and empower marginalized groups, the nation becomes stronger and less vulnerable.”

This, he explained, allows Ghana to make strategic choices when engaging with both the West and the East. However, he warned that neglecting development leaves the country desperate and exposed to exploitation.

Vojtêch Bily, Regional Manager of AFRIPOLI, explained that the workshop aimed to strengthen dialogue between Africa and Europe on shared security concerns.

He stressed that open conversation is key to building partnerships, fostering mutual understanding, and confronting threats such as disinformation campaigns.

Russia’s growing influence through disinformation in Africa, he cautioned, poses a serious challenge to democracy, public opinion, and effective decision-making.

Professor Kipo, a Research Fellow at LECIAD, described the workshop as timely, particularly in addressing border security. He emphasized that “security is borderless,” noting that instability in Africa inevitably affects Europe.

He cited the crisis in the Sahel as an example of conflict that spills over into Europe, just as the Russia-Ukraine war has had ripple effects across Africa.

Adding to the discussion, Dr Afua Yakohene, another Research Fellow at LECIAD, called on African states to honor their commitments to international and continental security agreements.

She argued that African governments must be proactive and remain engaged with bodies such as the African Union and the European Union, warning that without such commitment, efforts to strengthen security will fall short.

AM/AE

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