Recent retaliatory strikes by Iran against United States military installations across the Middle East have reinforced Ghana’s long-standing policy of refusing to host foreign military bases, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, Ablakwa argued that recent developments in the region illustrate why Ghana maintains strict limits on foreign military presence within its territory.

He explained that although Ghana maintains defence cooperation agreements with several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, the country draws a clear line when it comes to hosting foreign bases.

“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 UK, a number of Gulf States,” he added, explaining that such partnerships are pursued in Ghana’s “strategic national interest.”

However, Ablakwa stressed that Ghana is careful to ensure such cooperation does not compromise its security.

“We are careful to draw the lines so as not to compromise our security,” he said, noting that allowing foreign military bases on Ghanaian soil is a “red line” the country will not cross.

He pointed to recent Iranian retaliatory attacks on US military facilities located in neighbouring countries as evidence supporting Ghana’s cautious approach. Iran has targeted several installations hosting US forces in countries including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan during escalating tensions in the region. 

According to Ablakwa, such developments demonstrate the risks countries may face when foreign military bases operating on their territory become targets during geopolitical conflicts.

He said these events should serve as a “vivid vindication” of Ghana’s position, adding that he hoped those who previously opposed the country’s strict stance now appreciate the rationale behind it.

Despite Ghana’s refusal to host foreign bases, the minister clarified that the country remains open to international security cooperation where necessary.

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

Ablakwa cited an example from West Africa, revealing that a 2025 Christmas Day strike by the United States on ISIS targets in Sokoto State occurred after the Nigeria government formally requested American assistance.

“The Nigerians will confirm to you, they invited the Americans,” he stated.

He disclosed that both Nigeria and the United States subsequently reached out to Ghana to collaborate in the broader anti-terrorism efforts linked to the operation.

According to the minister, Ghana’s approach to such requests is guided by respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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

Ablakwa added that Ghana’s policy framework is designed to prevent situations where foreign powers operate unilaterally within another country’s territory, warning against scenarios similar to what he described as “another Venezuelan situation,” where a foreign power could enter a country to apprehend a leader and take them abroad to face trial.

He emphasised that Ghana’s security policy aims to balance international cooperation with the protection of national sovereignty and long-term strategic interests.