Accra: The Chairperson of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, James Agalga, confronted his ranking member, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, during a debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Friday, March 5, 2026. Rev Ntim Fordjour, representing Assin South, argued that the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, which resulted in the deaths of 8 Ghanaians, highlighted flaws in Ghana's security architecture and indicated a failure to protect its citizens.
According to Ghana Web, James Agalga dismissed the notion that the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso signified insecurity in Ghana. He emphasized that Burkina Faso, being a sovereign country, is responsible for its own internal security and the protection of anyone entering its borders. Agalga pointed out that Ghana's security forces cannot extend their reach beyond its borders to ensure the safety of its nationals in another country.
Agalga directly addressed Rev Ntim Fordjour, stating that the incident in Burkina Faso should not be used to imply security lapses in Ghana. He highlighted that Ghana, unlike the United States, does not have the capability to extend its security measures across international boundaries. He further stressed that the responsibility for the safety of Ghanaians abroad lies with the host country.
Furthermore, Agalga commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their efforts in bringing the injured Ghanaians back home for medical treatment. He praised the security forces for ensuring that there have been no terrorist attacks within Ghana's borders despite the threat being present in neighboring countries.
Agalga acknowledged the cooperation between the Ghanaian and Burkinabe forces, which facilitated the rescue and medical evacuation of the injured. He lauded the Ghanaian Air Force for their role in transporting the wounded individuals back to Ghana, where they are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital. Agalga concluded by asserting the competence of Ghana's security apparatus in preventing terrorism within the country.