No Coup in Ghana Despite Political Tensions – Prof. Kwesi Aning

In an exclusive one-on-one interview on “The Hot Seat,” a flagship program of NSG News hosted by Eamn, Professor Kwesi Aning shared his insights on Ghana’s security situation, the fight against corruption, and his personal experiences. As a seasoned academic and security expert, Professor Aning provided a wealth of knowledge, reassurance, and a hopeful outlook for Ghana’s future.

Highlights of Professor Kwesi Aning’s Career

Before delving into the key points of the interview, it’s essential to understand the impressive background of Professor Kwesi Aning. He is the former Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana and currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Peacekeeping Practice at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, USA. His extensive career includes serving as the first continental expert on the Common African Defense and Security Policy (CADSP) and Counter-terrorism for the African Union (AU) from 2005 to 2007. His responsibilities there included overseeing the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT).

With a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Ghana, Professor Aning has contributed significantly to the fields of international relations, peacekeeping, and security policy. He has also been a senior consultant to the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) at the United Nations and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group to the Peacebuilding Fund. His scholarly output includes over 150 publications, ranging from books and journal articles to policy briefs.

Some notable publications by Professor Aning include:

• “Africa in Global International Relations – Emerging Approaches to Theory and Practice” (2015), co-authored with Amitav Acharya and Paul-Henri Bischoff.
• “Das Sicherheitsdilemma in Westafrika” (2016), co-authored with M. Abdallah in Welt Trends.
• “African Agency in R2P: Interventions by African Union and ECOWAS in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Libya” (2016), co-authored with Fiifi Edu-Afful in International Studies Review.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

During the interview, Professor Aning addressed pressing issues related to Ghana’s security landscape, the ongoing battle against corruption, and provided a perspective on the upcoming elections.

1. No Coup in Ghana Despite Political Tensions

Professor Aning confidently reassured viewers that despite the current political tensions and uncertainties in Ghana, there is no imminent threat of a coup. According to him, this situation reflects the maturity and professionalism of the Ghanaian armed forces. He highlighted the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, emphasizing that Ghana’s security apparatus remains committed to maintaining stability and order.

2. Electoral Commission’s Role in Decompressing Political Tension

With the upcoming elections on everyone’s mind, Professor Aning expressed optimism that the election process will be conducted fairly and transparently. He stated that on December 9th, when the Electoral Commission declares the election results in a free and fair manner, the current political tensions will likely subside. He predicted that all compressed pressure and anxiety will “suddenly decompress,” allowing for a smooth transition and peaceful aftermath.

3. Proactive Measures by Security Forces

Professor Aning revealed that both the military and police forces in Ghana are currently working undercover to identify potential hotspots and areas with a history of political violence. By understanding these potential flashpoints, security agencies are prepared to respond promptly to any signs of unrest. He acknowledged that while some politicians may attempt to incite their supporters, such efforts are unlikely to succeed due to the preparedness and vigilance of the security forces.

4. A Smooth and Successful Election Forecast

Professor Aning concluded with a positive forecast for the upcoming elections, predicting a smooth and successful process. His assurance comes from his confidence in the Ghanaian security services, who have demonstrated their ability to handle similar challenges in the past. He reiterated that the maturity and professionalism of the Ghanaian armed forces, coupled with a commitment to democratic norms, would ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

Beyond security and corruption, Professor Aning also shared some personal reflections from his life. With a career spanning several decades and continents, he recounted his experiences working with the African Union, the United Nations, and numerous academic institutions. He discussed his motivation for entering the field of peacekeeping and security, as well as the challenges he faced along the way. His dedication to improving African security and governance remains evident, as does his passion for educating the next generation of leaders.

Final Thoughts

The interview with Professor Kwesi Aning offered a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Ghana’s leading security experts. His reassurances about the stability of Ghana, despite the current political climate, provide a sense of calm amidst uncertainty. As the country approaches its next election cycle, his insights on security measures and the resilience of democratic institutions offer hope for a peaceful future.

Stay tuned to NSG News for more exclusive interviews and updates on Ghana’s political and security landscape.

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