ACSC warns 2027 budget leaves Ghana exposed despite GH¢1bn Northern security boost

The Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism (ACSC) has expressed mixed feelings about Ghana's 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to Parliament on November 12 by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. While welcoming the GH¢1 billion allocation to strengthen security along Ghana's northern frontier, the Centre raised concerns about inadequate funding for defence and the absence of dedicated resources for preventing violent extremism. This could leave Ghana vulnerable to emerging threats.

ACSC acknowledged significant progress in the government's efforts to strengthen national security, particularly through investments in border infrastructure, maritime security and the welfare of security personnel. The Centre commended the GH¢405 million allocation for two offshore patrol vessels, which will help protect offshore oil assets and fisheries against piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea. Additionally, GH¢400 million was provisioned for police housing and the Police Hospital, alongside GH¢150 million for Phase Two of the Fire Service retooling programme.

The GH¢1 billion earmarked for forward operating infrastructure, northern border security, new barracks and an electronic warfare centre demonstrates growing recognition of the security threats emerging from the Sahel region. ACSC noted that the GH¢15.5 billion allocation to the Ministry of the Interior, compared with GH¢10.1 billion for Defence, reflects the importance of addressing domestic security challenges, including crime, chieftaincy disputes, land conflicts and illegal mining.

Despite acknowledging these investments, ACSC expressed concern that the GH¢10.1 billion allocated to Defence represents a reduction from the amount approved for 2026. With inflation projected at 8 per cent, plus or minus two percentage points, the allocation could translate into a decline in the purchasing power of the Ghana Armed Forces at a time when security threats along the country's northern borders are intensifying.

A major concern raised by the Centre is the absence of dedicated funding for preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), community early-warning systems and conflict prevention initiatives. ACSC specifically identified Bawku and other conflict-prone communities as areas requiring targeted investment, warning that extremist groups could exploit existing social tensions, economic vulnerabilities and other factors.

The combined GH¢25.6 billion allocation for Defence and Interior is less than half of the GH¢61 billion earmarked for interest payments. According to ACSC, this situation raises questions about the resources available to sustain Ghana's security architecture amid growing regional instability. The Centre's concerns highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing Ghana's security challenges.

The ACSC's review of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy emphasizes the importance of balancing investments in military hardware with community-based initiatives to prevent violent extremism. The Centre's recommendations will inform discussions on the budget and the country's security strategy, ultimately shaping Ghana's response to emerging threats.

Key points

• Inadequate defence funding and lack of resources for preventing violent extremism could leave Ghana vulnerable to emerging threats.
• GH¢1 billion allocated to strengthen security along Ghana's northern frontier.
• Defence allocation represents a reduction from the amount approved for 2026.