Airstrike Controversy in West Africa: Dispute Erupts Over Claims U.S. Used Ghana for Nigeria Operation

BY UCHECHI OKPORIE

A new fact-check report has cast doubt on claims that Ghana was used as a military launch base by the United States for airstrikes carried out in Nigeria, a controversy that has sparked intense political debate in Accra

. The issue began after remarks by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, were interpreted by critics as suggesting that Ghana’s territory had been used to support a U.S. military operation targeting terrorist groups in Nigeria.

However, the fact-check reviewed the statement and found no evidence that Ablakwa explicitly said Ghana served as a base for the strikes. The clarification contradicts accusations by former minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, who claimed the minister had admitted such involvement.

The controversy erupted after reports that U.S. forces conducted precision strikes against suspected extremist targets in northern Nigeria as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation with Abuja. United States military officials have previously confirmed working with Nigeria on intelligence and security operations aimed at militant groups in the region.

Opposition figures in Ghana have demanded greater transparency, warning that if the country allowed its territory to be used for foreign military actions without parliamentary approval, it could raise serious constitutional and security concerns.

Analysts say the debate highlights growing anxiety across West Africa over expanding international military involvement in regional security operations, particularly as extremist groups continue to operate across the Sahel and neighbouring countries.

The fact-check concludes that while Ghana has cooperated with international partners on security and intelligence matters, there is no confirmed statement from Ablakwa admitting that Ghana was used as a launch base for U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria