Solidarity Statement By H.E. Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman At The 34th Session CCCP Side Event Titled “CONNECT West Africa And The Sahel Chapter: Operational Networks Against Links Between Crime And Terrorism” Being Organised By Burkina And The UNODC And Supported By Ghana

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and partners,

It is an honor to deliver this solidarity statement at the 34th session CCPCJ side event, “Connect West Africa and the Sahel Chapter: Operational Networks Against Links Between Crime and Terrorism,” organized by Burkina Faso and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and proudly supported by Ghana.

Today, we convene at a critical juncture for our region. The Sahel and West Africa face unprecedented threats from the convergence of organized crime and terrorism. This twin menace undermines our societies, destabilize our economies, and challenge the very fabric of our communities. The violence and insecurity have resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the proliferation of illicit trafficking-of arms, drugs, and even cultural property-fueling further cycles of instability.

Burkina Faso and Ghana, along with our neighbors, have felt the impact of these threats firsthand. Yet, we stand united in our resolve. Through several initiatives and the operationalization of joint security frameworks, our countries are strengthening border surveillance, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to transnational threats. The recent Operation KAFO IV, mobilizing over 700 officers across several countries, is a testament to the effectiveness of regional cooperation in dismantling criminal networks and intercepting illicit arms flows linked to terrorism.

The president of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama, recognizing the important role of collaboration, has also appointed a special envoy for the Sahel.

We recognize the indispensable role of the UNODC in supporting our efforts. Capacity-building for law enforcement, magistrates, and border officials has been vital in enhancing our ability to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate complex cases in the crime-terror nexus. The development of roadmaps, training programs, and joint investigative teams-such as those between Benin and Burkina Faso-demonstrate the tangible progress we can achieve through partnership.

However, we must not relent. The evolving tactics of terrorist groups, their financing through formal and informal channels, and their exploitation of vulnerable communities demand that we intensify our efforts. We call on the international community to provide sustained support, including funding, training, and technical assistance, job creation to reinforce our collective security architecture.

Job creation for our youth is equally important to prevent a situation of radicalisation by terrorists who promise the vulnerable youth “dangerous” jobs.

Ghana reaffirms its unwavering commitment to this cause. We have contributed to regional security funds and will continue to advocate for robust, integrated responses that prioritize both security and human development. Let us remember: Africa’s stability is a matter of global security. Our fight is not only for the safety of our peoples, but for the peace, security and prosperity of the world at large.

In solidarity, we pledge to deepen our collaboration, share best practices, and uphold the principles of partnership that underpin this gathering. Together, we can disrupt the links between crime and terrorism, restore hope to our communities, and build a safer future for all.


The Africa Report. -“Terrorism is transnationalised, so they move from one territory to another. Sometimes they will stage attacks in Burkina Faso, withdraw into Ghana. If there is no collaboration between the two countries, it is difficult to exchange information and intelligence,”

Thank you.