Ghana has defence cooperation agreements with the United States and several other strategic partners, but remains firm in its policy against hosting foreign military bases, according to the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Speaking at Chatham House in the London, Ablakwa explained that Ghana enters such agreements strictly in pursuit of its national interests.

“Ghana has a defence cooperation agreement with the US, with approval by Parliament,” he said.

“Not only with the US but many other strategic partners including the United Kingdom, a number of Gulf States,” he added.

According to the minister, these arrangements are undertaken in Ghana’s “strategic national interest,” while ensuring the country does not compromise its security.

He noted that the government is deliberate about maintaining clear limits in such partnerships.

“We are careful to draw the lines so as not to compromise our security,” Ablakwa stated.

He stressed that one of the country’s firm “red lines” is the refusal to allow foreign powers to establish military bases on Ghanaian soil.

To illustrate the rationale behind this stance, he referenced recent tensions in the Middle East, saying Iran’s attacks on US military bases located in neighbouring countries served as a “vivid vindication” of Ghana’s cautious approach.

He expressed hope that those who previously opposed the policy now better understand the importance of the position.

Despite this firm stance, Ablakwa indicated that Ghana remains open to security cooperation with international partners where necessary.

Any cooperation or intervention has to be assessed on a “case by case” basis with “express approval,” he said.

He cited a 2025 Christmas Day military operation in which the United States carried out strikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto State, explaining that the action was conducted at the request of the Nigeria government.

“The Nigerians will confirm to you, they invited the Americans,” Ablakwa said.

He further revealed that both Nigeria and the United States had reached out to Ghana to collaborate in anti-terrorism efforts linked to the operation.

According to him, Ghana’s response to such requests is guided by respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“You must be invited and we must all agree on the scope of the intervention,” he explained.

Ablakwa also stressed that Ghana’s policy is aimed at avoiding situations where foreign powers act unilaterally within another country’s territory.

He referenced what he described as “another Venezuelan situation,” where a foreign power could enter a country to capture a leader and take them abroad to face trial.

The minister said Ghana’s cautious approach is intended to safeguard its sovereignty, and respect the rights of citizens, while still allowing the country to work with partners in addressing security threats.