Ghanaian lawmakers raise concerns over Ghana’s alleged role in U.S.–Nigeria anti-ISIS airstrikes

Ghanaian lawmakers are demanding answers from the government following reports that the country may have played a support role in recent U.S.–Nigeria airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants in northern Nigeria.

• Ghanaian lawmakers are demanding clarification from the government about its potential support role in recent U.S.–Nigeria airstrikes targeting ISIS militants.
• The U.S. Africa Command conducted the strikes with Nigerian authorities as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and northern Nigeria.
• Controversy arose after suggestions that Ghanaian territory or facilities may have been involved without parliamentary briefing or approval.
• Ghana is considered a strategic support location due to its stability and established military cooperation with Western partners.

The strikes, carried out by the United States Africa Command in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeted camps linked to Islamic State West Africa Province. The operation was part of broader counter-terrorism efforts to curb the expansion of jihadist groups operating across the Sahel and northern Nigeria.

However, controversy erupted in Ghana after suggestions that Ghanaian territory may have been used in some capacity to support the mission. Members of parliament say they were not formally briefed about any such cooperation and are seeking clarification on the nature of the country’s involvement.

Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee has called for an urgent government explanation, arguing that parliament must be informed if Ghana’s territory or facilities were used to support military operations in another country.

The issue reportedly surfaced after comments by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s foreign affairs minister suggested cooperation with the United States in connection with counter-terrorism operations targeting ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Chatham House on March 9, 2026, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the mission, which involved the United States deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles against extremist enclaves, was a trilateral effort involving Nigeria and Ghana.

“The Nigerians will confirm to you that they invited the Americans, and they also reached out to Ghana to collaborate. Yes, both the Nigerians and the Americans. So that’s how we are playing this out. Sovereignty has to be respected, territorial integrity has to be respected,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

Why Ghana may have been considered a strategic support location

Security analysts say Ghana’s geography and relative political stability make it a plausible logistical hub for regional operations. The country hosts several international military cooperation programs and has long been viewed by Western partners as a stable platform for intelligence coordination, surveillance, and logistics in West Africa.

However, the remarks by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa did not specify the exact nature of Ghana’s support for the mission or confirm whether the United States used Ghanaian bases during the operation.

The United States has intensified counter-terrorism cooperation across the region as extremist groups expand southward from the Sahel into coastal West Africa. Washington views Nigeria as a critical frontline state in the fight against jihadist movements that threaten regional stability and global energy infrastructure.

The developments also come amid evolving diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United States under Donald Trump.

Ghana recently agreed to receive a group of migrants deported from the United States, a move that was followed by visa policy concessions benefiting Ghanaian travelers.

While there is no confirmed evidence linking those migration arrangements to security cooperation, the timing has fueled speculation among lawmakers and analysts that the broader relationship between Washington and Accra may include deeper strategic coordination.

For now, Ghana’s parliament is seeking clarity on whether the country’s territory was used in the operation and whether such cooperation received the constitutional approvals required for foreign military engagements.