The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on relevant authorities to bolster security measures along Ghana's southern and coastal borders. This move aims to address the growing threat of cross-border crimes, including violent extremism, narcotics, and disinformation. The Commission noted that while security interventions have often focused on the northern borders, the southern and coastal areas have received little attention.
Ms Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the NCCE, made the call in Accra at a national dialogue on sustaining post-election peace and strengthening community resilience against emerging security threats. The dialogue, organised by the NCCE in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), brought together stakeholders to discuss measures to protect peace and strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities. The event aimed to promote holistic security interventions to prevent emerging threats from escalating into unforeseen crimes.
The NCCE Chairperson emphasised that Ghana's reputation as a peaceful and stable democracy should not lead to complacency in safeguarding the country's peace and security. She noted that the successful conduct of the 2024 general election and the peaceful transfer of power demonstrated the maturity of Ghanaians and the resilience of the country's democratic institutions. However, she stressed that sustained civic engagement and preventive measures are necessary to maintain peace and security.
Major General Tim Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the National Counterterrorism Fusion Centre, identified citizen complicity in criminal activities as a major threat to national security. He noted that citizens who knowingly or inadvertently provide criminals with accommodation, transportation, or other support can undermine the work of security agencies. The Major General emphasised the need for citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies or traditional authorities.
Madam Victoria Ama Asieduwaa, a Peace and Conflict Analyst, advocated for the establishment of community peace structures involving chiefs, youth leaders, women's groups, and other stakeholders. These structures could help communities identify warning signs early and communicate emerging threats to relevant national institutions before they escalate. She also stressed the importance of improved access to justice to restore public trust in state institutions.
Dr Mustapha Abdallah, a Senior Researcher at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), noted that strengthening border security should be complemented by addressing internal vulnerabilities that could make communities susceptible to violent extremism. He identified unemployment, inequality, marginalisation, and governance challenges as factors that have contributed to radicalisation and violent extremism in parts of the Sahel.
The NCCE's call for strengthened security measures along Ghana's southern and coastal borders highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address emerging threats. The Commission's efforts to promote civic engagement and preventive measures aim to build resilient communities and prevent criminal networks and extremist groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Key stakeholders will continue to collaborate to ensure the country's peace and security.
Key points
- The NCCE urges authorities to strengthen security along Ghana's southern and coastal borders to address emerging threats.
- Citizen complicity in criminal activities is a major threat to national security.
- Strengthening border security should be complemented by addressing internal vulnerabilities that could make communities susceptible to violent extremism.
