Civilian relations with various internal security and defense institutions in Ghana, including the military and police, are essential to understanding the threats to security and stability facing the country. Public trust in the government has eroded because of chieftaincy issues, IMF policies, government corruption, and controversial government spending. Furthermore, crime, political violence, and vigilante justice are increasing in both urban and northern border areas, leading to communities relying on self-policing due to the inadequate security presence and reflecting the public’s lack of trust in formal security forces.
While the West African country is not nearly as affected by violent extremism as its neighbors, violent extremism is a growing threat within the country’s borders. Interviews with locals in Accra and Tamale, officials from security entities and nongovernmental organizations, and additional stakeholders found that civilians perceive the military as the most trustworthy source of security, as the police and other institutions underperform and face issues of corruption and violent abuses of power.
This report was made possible by the generous support of the U.S. Department of Defense.
