Security consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has cautioned smugglers and illegal border travelers to desist from their activities, warning that this is not the right time to engage in smuggling due to heightened security threats within the Sahel region.
According to him, individuals who continue to use unapproved routes risk encountering dangerous situations that could lead to severe discomfort, harm, or even death.
He advised travelers to use the appropriate routes and avoid transporting illegal goods, stressing that lawful movement through recognized border points reduces the chances of being attacked and prevents trouble with law enforcement agencies.
“This is not the time to smuggle. If you use the appropriate road and ensure you are not carrying illegal goods, nobody will attack you, and you won’t have problems with the security agencies,” he cautioned.
Mr. Kumadoe further noted that Ghana remains in a unique position despite recent political and security changes in the Sahel region. He explained that although countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are no longer part of ECOWAS, Ghana continues to maintain strong relations with them, which enhances cooperation in intelligence sharing.
He emphasized that Ghana’s continuous engagement and dialogue with these neighboring countries has made it easier to collaborate at the highest levels of governance, particularly in the area of security intelligence.
“Even though those Sahel countries are no longer part of ECOWAS, Ghana still relates with them at all levels. When it comes to intelligence sharing, dialogue and communication, we don’t have major problems,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that Ghana will maintain that cooperation and take full advantage of it to strengthen border protection.
Mr. Kumadoe stressed that as a result of these collaborations, Ghana’s borders with the Sahel countries will be tightly monitored and properly secured to prevent infiltration by extremist groups and criminal networks.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of the tragic incident that occurred on February 14, 2026, in which suspected Islamic insurgents attacked the northern town of Titao in Burkina Faso, killing several people including Ghanaian tomato traders.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the growing insecurity in the Sahel and its potential spillover effects on neighboring countries, including Ghana.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku