Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa has urged the National Security Council Secretariat to consider emerging security threats in the Bono region when developing a new National Security Strategy. He identified highway safety, chieftaincy and land disputes, youth vulnerability, substance abuse, and fraud targeting market women and rural communities as key concerns. These issues require attention to ensure the region's safety and stability. The Minister's remarks were delivered on his behalf by the Bono Regional Coordinating Director, Madam Golda Grace Asante.
The Bono Region serves as a crucial transit corridor, making it essential to strengthen security along major highways to protect farmers, traders, and transport operators. The Regional Minister emphasized that national security goes beyond the work of the military and police, involving the creation of an environment where people can pursue their livelihoods without fear. He made these statements at a stakeholder engagement on the review of the 2020 National Security Strategy in Abesim, near Sunyani. The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including heads of departments and agencies, security personnel, and civil society organizations.
The National Security Strategy is the foundation of national safety, providing a framework for identifying security threats, determining national assets that require protection, and guiding responses to potential dangers. The Regional Minister stressed that a clear security strategy allows authorities to anticipate and prevent threats rather than reacting after incidents occur. He argued that without a strategy, security becomes reactive, and it is essential to be proactive in preventing and coordinating responses to security threats.
The existing National Security Strategy has guided the work of the Regional Security Council, Municipal and District Security Councils, and security agencies over the past six years. However, the Minister noted that Ghana's security environment has changed considerably since the strategy was introduced in 2020, making it necessary to review the document to reflect emerging challenges. The growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region is bringing security risks closer to Ghana's borders, and the Minister warned that instability in the sub-region poses a significant threat to the country.
The proliferation of small arms, transnational organized crime, and irregular migration are also threats requiring stronger attention. The Minister identified cybercrime and mobile money fraud as significant concerns, with criminal networks increasingly exploiting digital platforms and technology to perpetrate offenses. He also highlighted the security implications of climate change, competition over land and water resources, chieftaincy disputes, and rising drug and substance abuse among young people.
The Head of Legal and Compliance at the National Security Council Secretariat, Mr. George Loh, urged participants to contribute constructive criticism and practical recommendations to strengthen the review process. He reaffirmed the Secretariat's commitment to developing a new National Security Strategy that responds effectively to evolving threats and protects the country's security interests. Mr. Loh encouraged stakeholders to participate actively in the discussions and submit realistic, actionable proposals for consideration.
The review of the National Security Strategy is crucial in addressing emerging security threats in Ghana, particularly in the Bono region. The stakeholder engagement aimed to gather input from various stakeholders to ensure that the new strategy is comprehensive and effective in addressing the country's security challenges. The Minister's call for a new strategy highlights the need for a proactive approach to national security, and the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
Key points
- The Bono Regional Minister has called for a new National Security Strategy to address emerging threats in the region.
- The strategy should consider highway safety, chieftaincy and land disputes, youth vulnerability, substance abuse, and fraud targeting market women and rural communities.
- The review of the National Security Strategy aims to develop a comprehensive and effective strategy that responds to evolving threats and protects Ghana's security interests.
