Retired Security Analyst Col Festus Aboagye has called on the Ghanaian government to issue formal travel advisories for citizens travelling to the Sahel region, citing limits to ECOWAS free movement protections.

Speaking on the heightened risks faced by traders and travellers, Col Aboagye emphasised the government’s duty to protect its citizens abroad.

“Government must regularly issue what has become known as travel advisories to let Ghanaians know the risk. And then expect that Ghanaians will oblige,” he said.

He noted that ECOWAS protocols do not fully safeguard Ghanaians in certain areas, particularly in Burkina Faso.

“This ECOWAS protocol of free movement of goods, people and services does not apply to the AES… It’s got its own passport and all manner of mechanisms. And they have no binding responsibility except under international law to ensure that people are safe within the territorial borders of Burkina Faso,” Col Aboagye explained.

The call comes amid rising concerns over cross-border security and recent attacks in the Sahel region that have affected Ghanaian traders sourcing goods from Burkina Faso.