North East hosts Ghana-Togo security engagement as Minister warns, "insecurity knows no national boundaries"

The North East Regional Minister, Hon. Ibrahim Tia, has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Togo to protect border communities from emerging security threats, as the two countries met for a high-level engagement under the World Bank-funded Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO).

The Ghana-Togo Joint Regional Working Session brought together officials from both countries to strengthen security and social cohesion in border communities.

A Warm Welcome

In his welcome address, Hon. Tia, speaking on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the North East Regional Coordinating Council, welcomed the Togolese delegation and all participants to the region.

"We are honoured to host this important engagement, which reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting social cohesion, and building resilient communities across our common borders," he said.

Shared History and Culture

The Minister noted that the two countries share deep historical, cultural, social, and economic ties. Border communities, he said, have maintained close relationships through family connections, traditional institutions, and trade.

"These enduring ties constitute a valuable foundation upon which we can build stronger partnerships for peace, security, and sustainable development," he stated.

Growing Security Threats

Hon. Tia warned that instability in the Sahel, violent extremism, cross-border crime, illicit arms trafficking, and population displacement pose significant challenges to countries in the Gulf of Guinea region.

"We must recognise that insecurity knows no national boundaries," he said. "Developments in one country can have far-reaching consequences for neighbouring countries, affecting livelihoods, trade, public safety, and the overall stability of border communities."

Although Ghana continues to enjoy relative peace and stability, he cautioned against complacency.

"We must never take this peace for granted," he said, adding that preserving it requires "deliberate efforts, stronger partnerships with our neighbours, and a collective commitment to addressing the underlying conditions that make our communities vulnerable to conflict and insecurity."

About the SOCO Project

The Minister explained that, with support from the World Bank, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire are implementing the project to strengthen social cohesion, enhance socio-economic and climate resilience, and reduce the risks associated with fragility, conflict, and violence.

In Ghana, SOCO is being implemented in 48 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies across six beneficiary regions: Oti, Savannah, Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and North East.

Through investments in education, healthcare, markets, water systems, and livelihood activities, the project is addressing critical community needs while expanding economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

He said these interventions are important because "poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and competition over limited resources can create grievances and tensions that criminal and extremist groups may exploit."

Beyond Infrastructure

"Development must go beyond the provision of physical infrastructure," Hon. Tia stressed. "It must also empower communities, strengthen local institutions, promote inclusion, and create opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in their own development."