SECURITY ANALYST WARNS OF RIPPLE EFFECTS OF MIDDLE EAST WAR ON GHANA

Security analyst Mr. Andrews Aseidu Tetteh has cautioned that global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran, could have long-term effects on Ghana’s economy. Speaking in a phone interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asrifi on Ghana Nti Today on ICAD TV, Mr. Aseidu Tetteh said although war is undesirable, it has become a recurring global reality. “War is not something we like, but we cannot completely do away with it,” he stated. Global Impact of War He explained that the world has become a “global village” due to the internet and interconnected economies, meaning that conflict in one region quickly affects others. Citing the Russia–Ukraine war as an example, he noted that reduced fertilizer production during the conflict contributed to economic strain in countries like Ghana. According to him, since Iran is a key oil-producing nation, any instability there could push global oil prices higher. “When war comes, its effects can last between 10 to 20 years,” he warned. He further added that the United States has several NGOs and aid organisations supporting developing countries, and instability in major world powers can create ripple effects across economies like Ghana’s. Mr. Aseidu Tetteh stressed that even conflicts in nearby countries such as Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, or Nigeria could significantly affect Ghana due to regional and global economic linkages. “Everything we import, we must try to produce ourselves,” he advised, encouraging local production to reduce dependency on foreign markets. On Black Queens and World Cup Preparations Touching on sports, he commented on Ghana’s women’s national team, the Ghana women's national football team, commonly known as the Black Queens. He stated that proper study and preparation must be done to ensure the team’s safety and success during major international tournaments such as the FIFA Women's World Cup. He added that many Ghanaians may seek to travel abroad during the World Cup period, so security and logistical arrangements must be carefully planned. According to him, FIFA continues to put structures in place to ensure tournaments are conducted smoothly and safely. The discussion highlighted the interconnectedness of global security, economics, and international sporting events in today’s world.