The German Ambassador to Ghana, Frederik Landshöft, has called for sustained security cooperation in border areas within the Northern Region to address emerging security challenges.
He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Germany in the areas of security and development. The ambassador expressed appreciation for the longstanding collaboration between the two countries, describing it as one of the most effective among Germany’s international partnerships.
Germany has in recent months intensified its support for Ghana’s border security efforts. This includes the handover of four operational shelters to the Ghana Immigration Service to enhance patrol operations at key border points such as the Aflao Border Crossing. In February, Germany also provided GH¢1 million in operational resources to support border management and help prevent the spillover of insurgent activity from the Sahel into Ghana. Additional support has included the donation of police vehicles and motorbikes to district authorities to improve patrol coverage, rapid response, and inter-agency coordination.
Ambassador Landshöft highlighted ongoing cooperation efforts, including training, capacity building, and technical support, and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Ghanaian authorities to strengthen national and regional security.
Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, on his part, underscored the complex nature of security challenges in the Northern Region, particularly those linked to border management. He described border security as a multifaceted issue that requires sustained and deliberate cooperation among stakeholders.
He acknowledged Germany’s contributions through initiatives such as the Coastal States Stability Mechanism, noting their role in enhancing coordination and strengthening Ghana’s border resilience. The Minister further stressed the need to improve surveillance systems, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and strengthen responses to migration-related challenges. He also commended Germany’s role in advancing climate-security partnerships.
Muntaka expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued support to Ghana’s security architecture and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He assured the ambassador of the ministry’s readiness to expand cooperation and maintain an open-door policy in pursuit of shared security goals.
Germany remains actively engaged in broader regional efforts to address instability in the Sahel, working with coastal states to build resilience in border communities. These efforts align with the European Union’s strategy to promote security, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.
Key among such initiatives is the Alliance for the Sahel, a development partnership launched by Germany, France, and the European Union to coordinate international assistance to the region. The EU has also pledged financial support to assist displaced persons and host communities in coastal countries, including Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Source: By Francis Sowah
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