An expert in International Relations and Security, Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has raised concerns about Africa’s susceptibility to recruitment efforts by the Wagner private military group.
He believes that the continent’s large population of unemployed youth creates an environment that is conducive to the Wagner group’s recruitment activities, which in turn could facilitate their operations in Africa.
While acknowledging that Wagner, as a private security group, has the right to recruit globally, Professor Antwi-Danso suggests that their recruitment efforts in Africa may be influenced by the region’s high unemployment rates.
These concerns have arisen in the wake of the arrest of three young individuals who organized a public gathering in Diabene, within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, where they were observed wearing and displaying the flags of Wagner and Russia.
The suspects have been identified as Evans, 25, Michael Asiedu, 23, and Ernest Asiedu, 26.
In an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, September 19, Professor Antwi-Danso called on security agencies to investigate whether the Wagner group is actively recruiting individuals from Ghana or financing specific activities within the country.
He emphasized the importance of vigilance among Ghanaian security agencies to identify and monitor potential security threats, particularly those with affiliations to external organizations.
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of thorough investigations into any covert activities within Ghana that might have security implications. He cautioned that if it is determined that the Wagner group is recruiting from Ghana, there could be security concerns when these recruits return after completing their assignments.