Time to Fortify Ghana's Internal Security: A Call to Action

The recent surge in daring armed robberies, exemplified by the brazen Adabraka daylight heist, underscores the urgent need for a radical overhaul of Ghana's internal security architecture. Merging non-military security agencies and the Forestry Commission into a fourth armed service within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) could provide the necessary punch to combat crime effectively.

West Africa's escalating Islamic terrorist activities and Ghana's gold rush have created a perfect storm. Extremist groups like Boko Haram and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) fuel the arms trade, while chieftaincy disputes across Ghana contribute to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs). The gold rush, attracting young people from neighboring countries, has led to exploitation and violence. Porous borders allow easy movement of illicit arms and ammunition. According to the Ghana Police Service's 2024 crime statistics, armed robberies increased by 25% year-on-year.

To combat this threat, Ghana must:
- Strengthen Border Security: Implement real-time satellite tracking of vehicles and establish exit visa regimes across Africa, sharing data between law enforcement agencies.

- Enhance Regional Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries to address socio-economic drivers of the illicit arms trade.

- Merge Security Agencies: Integrate non-military security agencies and the Forestry Commission into a fourth armed service.

- Promote Security Consciousness: Encourage citizens to report suspicious characters and illegal activities to the authorities.

New legislation is crucial to indemnify security personnel using extreme force in self-defence or protecting law-abiding citizens. International cooperation and best practices can inform Ghana's strategy, such as the UK's National Crime Agency and the US's Department of Homeland Security.

It's time for decisive action. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations.

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References:
¹ Ghana Police Service. (2024). Crime Statistics.

² Ghana Government. (2020). National Security Strategy.

³ UK Government. (2022). National Crime Agency.

⁴ US Government. (2022). Department of Homeland Security.

⁵ ECOWAS. (2022). Regional Security Strategy.
⁶ Small Arms Survey. (2022). West Africa's Illicit Arms Trade.

⁷ UNODC. (2022). Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa.