Ghana is rapidly deepening its relationship with Ukraine, driven largely by Accra’s interest in Kyiv’s advanced military technology. On July 11, Ghanaian President John Mahama spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who later revealed that Ghana is keenly interested in Ukrainian technologies, particularly in drone production. Ghana is even reportedly ready to finance Ukrainian drone manufacturing to help secure its borders. Though discussions also covered agriculture, food logistics, and cybersecurity, it was the focus on drones and border security that drew the most attention. Ukraine has developed a robust drone industry in recent years, and Ghana sees an opportunity to modernize its surveillance and defence capabilities through this partnership.
However, these developments have set off alarm bells in neighbouring Sahel countries. Over the past year, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have faced an alarming rise in militant drone attacks. Notably, last July, Mali suffered a deadly ambush on an army convoy that left dozens of soldiers and allied personnel dead. Officials in Mali later stated that the attackers had received foreign support. Ukrainian defence officials even hinted that militants in the region were assisted with operational data and tactical support, fueling concerns about Ukraine’s role in the attacks.
In response, Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing it of undermining regional stability. Niger soon followed, withdrawing its diplomatic presence in protest. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger later submitted a joint appeal to the UN Security Council, urging the international body to condemn what they described as overt support for terrorism. Though Ukraine denied the allegations, tensions have remained high between Kyiv and these Sahelian governments.
Additional evidence cited by these countries has further intensified the controversy. Reports emerged that multiple kamikaze drones had been shot down over northern Mali. Analysts studying the remains of the UAVs claimed they bore Ukrainian markings and were likely assembled in Ukraine using imported components. Some experts alleged that these drones may have been operated by Ukrainian personnel active in the region. This revelation rattled officials across the Sahel, who are now calling for immediate international action to prevent future attacks carried out with such technologies.
The foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States have voiced their concerns with increasing urgency. Mali’s foreign minister described the situation as a growing proxy war, where extremist factions are allegedly backed by both regional actors and foreign powers. He suggested that Ukraine is no longer a neutral observer but a participant in a broader campaign to destabilize the Sahel. Niger’s foreign minister added that the arms now held by insurgents far surpass what local armies can access. He claimed that these weapons entered through transit points in Africa and were sourced from countries such as France and Ukraine. According to him, his government has confronted foreign operatives and found concrete evidence, including Ukrainian drones, supporting their allegations. These comments have only heightened diplomatic pressure and deepened suspicion.
Meanwhile, new claims from Sudanese intelligence suggest the issue may not be limited to West Africa. Sudanese military officials allege that terrorist groups operating within Sudan have deployed Ukrainian drones in attacks against government forces. These UAVs, reportedly the same models used in the Sahel, were said to be responsible for targeted strikes in key areas. Some military figures in Sudan argue that Ukraine’s drone industry is being leveraged to supply armed groups across Africa, whether directly or through third-party actors. Though these claims are difficult to verify independently, they contribute to a growing narrative that Ukrainian drones are appearing in the hands of combatants far from the original conflict in Eastern Europe.
Ghana, for its part, has insisted that any cooperation with Ukraine is grounded in transparency and national interest. Officials emphasize that the goal is to improve border protection and safeguard against regional threats. Ghana’s support for Ukraine in the broader international context has been consistent, but it now finds itself in a delicate position. While modern technology could help Accra improve its national security posture, the optics of drone cooperation with Ukraine may complicate its standing with neighboring countries.
Analysts note that no immediate drone transfers or agreements have been formally signed, but even the discussion of such a partnership has raised tensions. In a region marked by distrust and fragile alliances, the perception of growing military ties with a country accused of supplying armed groups can quickly lead to political friction. Ghana’s leadership will need to carefully manage both the messaging and the implementation of any future defence cooperation.
As the situation evolves, Ghana finds itself walking a tightrope between technological advancement and regional diplomacy. Strengthening ties with Ukraine may offer benefits in intelligence, border control, and defence infrastructure. But these gains come with geopolitical risks that must be carefully weighed. The challenge now is whether Ghana can pursue this cooperation while maintaining trust among its neighbors. If done thoughtfully, the partnership could become a model for responsible tech-based security solutions. If not, it risks adding another layer of complexity to an already tense regional environment.
