Ghana’s Porous Borders and the Threat to National Security

Abstract

This thesis focuses on Ghana’s international land borders, detailing the factors contributing to its porous nature and how that poses threats to the country’s stability. Using qualitative research approach, the study collected data from various Border Sector Commands (BSC) of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and argues that, given the porosity of Ghana’s international land borders and her position in a West African sub-region engulfed in violent activities, the country is vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities which threaten its stability. Key to the factors accounting for the porosity of the country’s international land borders are its border architecture, ineffective checkpoints and challenges of the Border Patrol Unit (BPU). Consequently, evidence of traces of terrorism, smuggling of arms and humans among others, have been recorded in the country. In this vein, various government regimes and stakeholders in border management have taken measures to prevent crossborder crime crisis in the country. Internally, there is an ongoing sensitisation of various communities, the establishment of periodic joint task forces, counterterrorism units and the provision of working logistics among others. Externally, Ghana has rectified various United Nations (UN) conventions on anti-terrorism, suspension of financing of terrorism and money laundering. However, these measures are inadequate to effectively tackle the conundrum of porous borders. The thesis proposed several measures, including a review of Ghana’s international land borders, re-design of a border management plan, provision and incorporation of border communities into development schemes and encouraging inter-agency collaboration in border management.