
The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA Ghana) on Tuesday extended its warmest congratulations to President John Dramani Mahama on his exemplary national security appointments.
In a statement signed by WAANSA Ghana President, Mr Ken Kinney, the group stressed that the selection of seasoned professionals is a testament to the President's commitment to bolstering Ghana's security framework.
The officers are former Chief of Staff Mr Prosper Douglas Bani as National Security Advisor; ACP Abdul-Osman Razak as National Security Coordinator; COP (rtd) Nathan Kofi Boakye as Director of Operations at the Presidency; and Mr Charles Kipo as the Director General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
WAANSA Ghana noted that these appointees bring together a wealth of experience in security and governance, ensuring that Ghana's national security policies are coordinated and implemented effectively.
“We are confident that Mr. Bani's expertise, particularly in coordinating national security policies, will be invaluable in his new role.
“Similarly, ACP Razak's experience will be pivotal in ensuring that security strategies are cohesive and effectively implemented across all sectors.
“COP Boakye's operational expertise will undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness of security operations from the Office of the President.
“Mr Kipo's years of experience in the security services will help in intelligence gathering and analysis to inform national security decisions,” WAANSA Ghana noted.
WAANSA Ghana commends President Mahama for these strategic appointments, demonstrating his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaians.
“We are optimistic that these appointments will mark the beginning of a new era in Ghana's national security, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their work.
“Once again, we congratulate President Mahama on these exemplary appointments and wish the appointees success in their new roles,” the statement stated.
Meanwhile, WAANSA Ghana has called on the national security teams to consider as a national pressing security challenge and the ECOWAS sub-region the issues of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
WAANSA Ghana stressed that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has aggravated internal conflicts and insecurity in the region, while long-standing disputes over chieftaincy titles and land ownership have sometimes turned violent.
WAANSA Ghana noted the need for effective security measures to address these challenges and ensure the safety and stability of the region.
To address these concerns, WAANSA Ghana humbly urges the national security coordinators in collaboration with other security actors, including the Minister of Defence, Minister of the Interior, and the Presidency, to prioritize the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Cabinet Memo and also accelerate efforts toward the passage of the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023.
The treaty seeks to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms, prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms, and prevent their diversion.
It also seeks to contribute to international and regional peace, security, and stability; reduce human suffering; and promote cooperation, transparency, and responsible action by States Parties in the international trade in conventional arms, thereby building confidence among States Parties.
The National Arms Commission Bill of 2023 aims to regulate and manage arms, ammunition, and other related materials in the country; control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; improve safety and security; and protect lives and property in the country.
WAANSA Ghana believes that the bill is critical in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the region, stressing that the National Arms Commission Bill, 2023, offers several key benefits, which include enhanced security and safety, improved reputation, and increased stakeholder ownership.
Ghana is the third African country to benefit from the first phase of the SALIENT Trust Fund, which is being spearheaded by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
Ghana is a signatory to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which calls for the establishment of National Commissions to provide an effective regulatory mechanism for small arms and light weapons.
The SALIENT project aimed to address armed violence and illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to sustainable security and development.
The project seeks to upscale efforts towards the passage of the bill into law to provide the necessary tools and mechanisms to effectively regulate the trade, possession, and transfer of small arms and light weapons.
The SALIENT project is being implemented in Ghana by WAANSA Ghana, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
The CSOs affiliated with WAANSA Ghana are the Nurture Nature Foundation, the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD Ghana), the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), the Development Institute, and the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development.
Others are the Security Warehouse, West Africa Lead, the Centre for Rural Women in Peace, Security, and Development, the Greater Accra Youth Network, BADEC, Youth for Peace and Security in Africa, and the Nutifafa Foundation.
The rest are the Care-Love Charity Foundation, the Orphans and Widows Association, the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, the West Africa Centre for Violent Extremism, and the Association of Ghanaian Women and Child Welfare.