European Union Special Representative for the Sahel Birgitte Nygaard Markussen has engaged the Ghana Armed Forces’ Northern Command on security threats affecting northern Ghana and the wider Sahel, as the EU seeks stronger cooperation with regional partners to promote dialogue and stability.
Ms Markussen led a 22-member delegation drawn from 13 EU member states to the Headquarters of Northern Command in Tamale on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where they received a briefing on the security situation within the Command’s area of responsibility.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to discuss prevailing security challenges, military preparedness and measures being implemented to address emerging threats, according to the Ghana Armed Forces.
The General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Franklyn Worlanyo Agbebo, received the delegation alongside staff officers of the Command. The Commander of Air Force Base Tamale, Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Atiemo, was also present.
The briefing covered political instability, territorial attacks and cross-border criminal activities, as well as measures being implemented to respond to the evolving security situation.
Brigadier General Agbebo highlighted the growing importance of technology in military operations, particularly the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, mobile intelligence and digital mapping systems to improve situational awareness, navigation and operational planning.
The engagement also underscored the importance of intelligence gathering, coordination among security agencies and access to appropriate technological resources in strengthening operational readiness.
The visit formed part of wider EU engagements in Ghana aimed at deepening cooperation on security challenges affecting the Sahel and neighbouring countries. The EU’s approach places renewed emphasis on political dialogue with Sahelian governments and collaboration with regional organisations, including the African Union and ECOWAS, to address terrorism, instability and humanitarian challenges.
During the same visit to the Northern Region, the EU delegation also engaged the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and civil society organisations on the region’s security situation, ongoing interventions and opportunities for stronger cooperation.
The discussions highlighted the role of regional authorities, security agencies, traditional leaders and civil society in preventing conflict, identifying emerging threats and promoting peaceful coexistence. Regional security officials also called for stronger logistical and operational support to improve their response to threats, including drug trafficking and potential terrorism-related risks.
Ms Markussen commended regional stakeholders for sharing information on local security arrangements and the challenges facing communities, emphasising the importance of sustained engagement in developing practical responses.
The Tamale engagements followed a two-day informal dinner in Accra hosted by Ms Markussen on the margins of a meeting of special envoys for the Sahel on October 19 and 20. The gathering brought together representatives of EU member states, EU institutions and Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, to discuss restoring cooperation between the EU and Sahelian countries.
The EU has been seeking to maintain dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States with neighbouring Sahelian country Niger. Ghana has also been engaging the AES to encourage continued cooperation with ECOWAS despite the bloc’s departure from the regional organisation.
The EU appointed Ms Markussen as its Special Representative for the Sahel in September 2026. Her mandate includes leading the EU’s political dialogue with partners in the region and promoting lasting peace, security, stability, sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The engagements in Accra and Tamale reflect efforts to strengthen collaboration between Ghana, the EU and other regional partners as security threats in the Sahel continue to affect neighbouring countries.
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