A non-governmental organization specializing in security and intelligence, The Centre for Intelligence and Security Analysis (CISA), has urged the government to implement new counter-terrorism legislation to enhance the country's anti-terrorism efforts. This legislation, termed the "Foreign Fighters Act (FFA)" by the Centre, would address the reintegration of radicalized youth and war returnees, as well as impose harsher penalties on individuals involved in terrorist activities.

CEO of CISA and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Mr. Rasheed Inusah, emphasized the need for such legislation during a workshop for selected media practitioners in Accra. He highlighted concerns about the absence of specific legislation like the FFA, especially given the reported rise in Ghanaian youth joining terrorist groups or participating in conflicts abroad. Urging swift action from the Government, Mr. Inusah stressed the importance of enacting laws to facilitate the reintegration of these individuals and maintain national peace and security.

“The absence of Foreign Fighters Act is worrying as more Ghanaian youth run to war zones, terrorist cells; and return as radicalised lone wolves or form sleeper cells,” Mr Inusah said.

“In 2015, a 25-year-old Ghanaian graduate, Mohammed Nazir Nortei Alema, was recruited by ISIS but later died in Syria.”He also underscored the growing threat of "home-grown sleeper cells and lone wolves" and emphasized the FFA's role in empowering law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist acts.

Additionally, Mr. Inusah called attention to economic challenges contributing to youth vulnerability to exploitation by terrorist groups, urging measures to address high unemployment rates.

He also reminded the media of their responsibility to safeguard the electoral process by avoiding sensationalism and dissemination of false information, while prioritizing safety and neutrality in reporting.

CISA, dedicated to addressing security challenges in the West African sub-region, employs various tools such as research and publications by analysts and security practitioners to achieve its objectives.