Introduction
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), touted as the largest free trade arrangement in the world by membership, seeks to integrate a continental market of 1.3 billion people. While conceived as an economic initiative, there are deep implications for peace and security, particularly in West Africa. This is a region marked by terrorism, political instability, and cross-border crime. This article examines how AfCFTA reshapes security dynamics in Ghana and the broader West African subregion. While AfCFTA provides substantial opportunities for economic security, conflict prevention, and institutional cooperation, it also introduces risks associated with transnational crime, cyber vulnerabilities, and uneven economic outcomes.
The West Africa region faces threats ranging from violent extremism in the Sahel to maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and instability from recurring coups in the Sahelian corridor (Aning & Lartey, 2020). Ghana currently hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra and has positioned itself as a central player in the continental integration project.
AfCFTA and Regional Integration in West Africa
AfCFTA is designed to leverage on existing regional blocs, including that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). West Africa is strategically central to AfCFTA because it promotes free movement of people, common tariffs, and regional peace operations (ECOWAS Commission, 2019). Additionally, the coastal states of Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria have trade related infrastructure that supports the ideals of AfCFTA. Ghana has two key ports in Tema and Takoradi while other States have ports in Lome, Abidjan and Lagos. Given that 90% of all trade-related activity is by sea, West Africa is positioned to play a significant role in the full implementation of AfCFTA. In addition, West African states have diverse economies, making them crucial for regional value chains (UNECA, 2019).
AfCFTA’s Positive Security Impacts in Ghana and West Africa
AfCFTA has many positives for the entire African Continent, particularly West Africa and Ghana. Full implementation feeds into the AU Agenda 2063 which supports greater integration and communication. Goods and services which are sourced outside the continent would be better traded among African countries. Key benefits include;
Economic Security and Reduction of Conflict Drivers
Economic insecurity is widely recognized as a key driver of conflict in West Africa (Cederman, Gleditsch, & Buhaug, 2013). AfCFTA can help reduce high youth unemployment, economic marginalization, and poverty—conditions exploited by extremist groups, particularly in the Sahel. This is particularly important because the World Economic Forum estimates that African youth will constitute 42% of global youth by 2030. A well implemented AfCFTA will provide opportunities for jobs and economic expression for young people.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Peace Diplomacy
AfCFTA is expected to deepen institutional cooperation between West African states as it engenders the creation of common trade standards, improving dialogue and supporting dispute resolution. Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat strengthens its soft power in regional peace diplomacy, complementing ECOWAS peacekeeping traditions (Amoako, 2021).
Infrastructure Development and State Authority
AfCFTA is expected to accelerate investment in transport and logistics infrastructure, digital trade platforms and energy grids (UNECA, 2019). Such developments help states project authority into marginalized regions. In support of AfCFTA, efforts are underway to expedite the implementation of the Lagos Abidjan highway. Ghana’s preparedness for AfCFTA focused on the needs assessment for trade related infrastructure such as airports, harbours, roads and railways.
Risks and Emerging Security Challenges Under AfCFTA
Inspite of the perceived advantages of AfCFTA, there are challenges if not well implemented. Its implementation could exacerbate challenges some regions of Africa are experiencing. These include;
Uneven Development and Social Tensions
Economic disparities between Ghana and its neighbors—especially Sahelian and low-income states—may widen. Countries with advanced manufacturing stand to gain significantly. Uneven outcomes could generate domestic discontent, protectionist pressures, and regional tensions over market domination (Hartzenberg, 2011).
In Ghana, fears of foreign competition could fuel hostile sentiment within key markets within the retail sector. Signs already exist with overcrowding in certain towns and foreign involvement in illegal mining. Currently, many small-scale onion sellers in major markets are from Niger, while roving sellers of mobile phone accessories are from Nigeria. Small time sales of cola, dried dates etc are from Burkina Faso and Mali as well as those operating small kebab joints across the major cities. Some security officials interviewed indicate that these small time investors, if radicalized, could harm Ghana significantly.
Increased Cross-Border Crime
Ghana has experienced challenges with cross-border crime. Expanded trade flows risk enabling trafficking of arms, drugs, and persons, money laundering through trade misinvoicing and terrorist financing networks in the Sahel (Oshikoya, 2020). Significant numbers of foreigners are engaged in illegal mining, petty trading and illegal motorcycle transportation of people known locally as okada.
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
AfCFTA seeks to rely on digital integration—including e-customs, e-commerce, and data exchange. This would naturally expose West Africa to increased cybercrime. Ghana, despite strong ICT adoption, experiences weak data protection enforcement, limited cybersecurity infrastructure, and financial cybercrime risks (UNCTAD, 2021). While the Cybersecurity Authority has been established to protect the digital ecosystem, challenges remain. The banking sector and mobile money systems have been under attack by cyber criminals. Given that the AfCFTA would leverage digital platforms for payments etc, it is important to expect attacks and prepare adequately for it. A major cyberattack on customs or financial systems could disrupt national and regional trade flows and undermine trust in digital systems for transactions.
Migration and Human Security Issues
West Africa’s free movement regime (ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement) combined with AfCFTA’s market integration may lead to increased intracontinental migration. While economically beneficial, this can strain urban centers and intensify social tensions, including xenophobia, competition for jobs and pressures on public services. Ghana has already experienced political debates over foreign traders in local markets—a concern likely to grow under AfCFTA.
Policy Recommendations
On the basis of the above, CISA recommends the following
- Strengthen Border Governance
Ghana and ECOWAS states should invest in joint border patrols, customs digitalization, community policing in border regions and intelligence sharing. This is particularly the case for Coastal States which are likely to face some aggression or attacks in the light of increasing destabilization of the Sahelian countries.
- Develop Regional Cybersecurity Frameworks
A continental cybersecurity protocol under AfCFTA should complement ECOWAS’s cybersecurity strategy, focusing on critical infrastructure protection, data privacy standards, and cyber incident response networks. Given that cyber criminals may not reside in the country in which a crime is committed, cooperation among states to deal with this is highly desirable. Any successful cyber attack is likely to undermine trust and confidence in the AfCFTA’s digital systems.
- Integrate Trade and Security Institutions
ECOWAS, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and national security agencies should collaborate through the sharing of information and acting where necessary in joint security–trade councils, risk-mapping of trade corridors, and the development of an early-warning system that allows for effective integration.
- Integration of biometric and identity verification systems
African countries must as a matter of urgency integrate biometric and identification systems to ensure the integrity of the individuals traversing their territories. The free movement of people and goods and the various integration systems must be predicated on effective identification of persons to forestall the situation where criminals are allowed to roam the continent.
- Enhance Ghana’s Security Diplomacy
Ghana should leverage its neutrality and institutional capacity to lead regional dialogue on terrorism prevention, maritime security, and democratic governance. Ghana is making efforts to work in concert with the AES countries. The Accra Initiative must be taken seriously and its agreements fully implemented. A presidential representative has been appointed but it goes beyond that. That role is critical and must be guided by analysis and discussions that would drive the relationship Ghana has with all countries.
Conclusion
AfCFTA represents one of Africa’s most ambitious attempts at economic transformation. In Ghana and West Africa, its security implications are profound—offering opportunities for economic stability, institutional cooperation, and conflict prevention. However, new vulnerabilities are emerging relating to transnational crime, cyber threats, and socio-economic inequalities. For AfCFTA to advance peace and stability, West African states must integrate security governance and economic integration. This is particularly the case for Ghana, as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
References
African Union. (2018). Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area. Addis Ababa: African Union Commission.
Amoako, K. Y. (2021). The African Union and Economic Integration: Lessons for AfCFTA Implementation. Brookings Institution Press.
Aning, K., & Lartey, E. (2020). Counterterrorism and national security in Ghana. Journal of African Security, 13(2), 83–102.
Cederman, L.-E., Gleditsch, K. S., & Buhaug, H. (2013). Inequality, Grievances, and Civil War. Cambridge University Press.
ECOWAS Commission. (2019). ECOWAS Vision 2050 and Regional Integration Strategy. Abuja: ECOWAS.
Hartzenberg, T. (2011). Regional integration in Africa. WTO Staff Working Paper ERSD-2011-14.
Lacher, W. (2012). Organized crime and conflict in the Sahel-Sahara region. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Oshikoya, T. W. (2020). Transnational crime and security threats in West Africa. African Journal of Criminology & Justice Studies, 13(1), 45–67.
UNCTAD. (2021). Economic Development in Africa Report: Reaping the Potential Benefits of the AfCFTA. Geneva: United Nations.
UNECA. (2019). African Continental Free Trade Area: Policy and Impact Study. Addis Ababa: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.Bottom of Form
