In a policy paper dated December 28, 2025, titled Regional Security at the Brink: U.S. Distributed Footprint, Security Partnerships and Sovereignty Trade-Offs in Post-Niger West Africa, Col. Aboagye dissected the Christmas Day 2025 airstrikes in Sokoto State.

He argues that while the strikes targeted terrorists, they exposed a “troubling divergence” in how Washington and Abuja perceive the conflict—a gap that extremist groups are already beginning to exploit.

The Sokoto Strikes: A Shift in Doctrine

The Christmas Day operation marks a definitive transition for the United States from an advisory role to direct kinetic intervention on Nigerian soil.

While the strikes were coordinated, Col. Aboagye highlights a narrative clash: the U.S. framed the violence through the lens of religious persecution, whereas Nigeria views it as a multifaceted security crisis affecting all citizens regardless of faith.

This “religiously charged rhetoric”, Col. Aboagye warns, provides a potent recruitment tool for terrorist organisations.

He notes that the U.S. has adapted to its withdrawal from Niger by creating a “decentralised military footprint” across Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Chad.

The Danger of ‘Outsourcing’ Stability

Col. Aboagye expressed deep concern that Africa is gradually “outsourcing” its security to external powers whose containment strategies may not align with the continent’s long-term peace.

“The international community must remain vigilant that the ‘regional security’ narrative does not become a vehicle for undermining African sovereignty under the guise of protecting lives. This is the challenge for the African Union,” he asserted.

He describes the current trend as a “geopolitical vacuum” created by regional fragmentation, particularly the divide between the AU and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A Proactive Framework: The 5-Point Policy Mandate

To counter this externalised interventionism, Col. Aboagye proposed five radical institutional shifts for the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC):

The ‘Sovereignty’ Reality Check

The retired Colonel was intellectually honest about the hurdles facing these recommendations.

He questioned why the African Standby Force (ASF)—which has faced 20 years of underfunding—would suddenly become operational now.

He also noted that the AU has no real enforcement mechanism to stop a superpower from ignoring notification requirements.

However, he maintained that these obstacles do not diminish the necessity of the measures.

“The goal is to prevent the gradual entrenchment of coastal states as permanent launch platforms for external military operations outside a collective AU strategy,” he concluded.

As 2026 approaches, the “Sokoto Precedent” stands as a litmus test for whether African regional organisations can reclaim their agency or remain spectators in their own security landscape.

His call follows the submission of the final report by the investigating committee to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, November 10, during a National Security Council meeting at the Jubilee House.

Speaking on Channel One TV, Col. Aboagye emphasized the importance of transparency given the scale of the tragedy and the public concern it has sparked.

“I have seen snippets of it on social media. We, as Ghanaians, deserve to see the report in full,” he said. “This is a matter of public interest. The loss of lives has affected several people and institutions, and it raises serious questions about our preparedness and ability to manage emergencies.”

The report, chaired by Acting Minister for Defence Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, concluded that the Ghana Air Force helicopter experienced a sudden loss of altitude due to a strong downdraft while flying through unstable weather conditions. It also noted that both pilots were “highly qualified and fully competent,” effectively ruling out human error as the primary cause of the crash.

The helicopter had departed Accra at around 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining exercise but lost radar contact less than an hour into the flight.

Col. Aboagye reiterated that publishing the full report would promote accountability, improve institutional learning, and help prevent similar aviation disasters in the future.

His comments come after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight gallant men on Wednesday, August 9, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The crash claimed the lives of key public servants, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohamme, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.

The Ghana Air Force personnel crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 9, Col. Aboagye cautioned against the circulation of rumours and unverified claims surrounding the cause of the crash, emphasising the need for patience and respect for the deceased.

“The fact is that as of now, we don’t know what the cause of the crash was or what the causes were,” he stated.

“We know the manner of the accident: that it crashed. So until we have definitive evidence as to what brought the aircraft down, I think all of us, in good decency, must stop spreading all manner of misinformation.”

His comments come in response to growing speculation across social media platforms and some sections of the public, where unsubstantiated theories have begun to take root in the absence of official findings.

He stressed the importance of protecting the dignity of those who lost their lives, as well as maintaining public trust in the investigative process.

“This is a moment of mourning,” he said. “We owe it to the memory of those who have departed and to their families to refrain from politicising or sensationalising this tragedy. Let us wait for the facts.”

The Ghana Armed Forces, together with aviation authorities and other relevant agencies, have launched a full investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings have yet to be released.

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

ALSO READ:

• Health Minister moves late Omane Boamah’s mother to Accra [Video]

• He was the only son of his mother; this is hard – Dr. Afriyie…

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Brigadier-General Opoku of plotting to rig the upcoming December 7 elections in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

At a November 19 press conference, NDC Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi alleged that the military officer was involved in activities such as ballot stuffing, swapping of ballot boxes, and deploying operatives disguised as military personnel to disrupt the electoral process.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM, Col. Aboagye emphasized the importance of an impartial investigation into the matter.

“What the NDC said, whether it’s true or not, the government needs to investigate. It’s been 48 hours, and the government has not said anything about the issue,” he noted.

The security analyst clarified the distinction between political parties and government institutions, urging agencies such as the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), or the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to handle the matter.

“The government is distinct from political parties. Political parties are elected to govern, but the constitution mandates them to look after the country. Therefore, the allegations against the NPP are not directed at the government as a whole. While the government is formed by the NPP, constitutionally, it is not just the NPP. Agencies like the NIB, EOCO, or CID should be allowed to conduct an investigation,” he explained.

“These allegations, if unresolved, can destabilize the country. The government must act swiftly to ensure transparency and stability,” he added.

READ ALSO:

• Full Text: NDC on alleged plot by NPP to rig 2024 election
• Election 2024: NDC to petition Asantehene over alleged rigging plot
• Kingsley Nyarko slams NDC over allegations of election rigging plot