Minister spotlights emerging security threats in Bono region   

Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa has called on the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to consider emerging security threats in the region as part of efforts to develop 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 some of the concerns requiring attention.

Mr Akwaboa stressed the need to strengthen security along major highways to protect farmers, traders and transport operators, particularly as the Bono Region serves as an important transit corridor.

He made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Bono Regional Coordinating Director, Madam Golda Grace Asante, at a stakeholder engagement on the review of the 2020 National Security Strategy (NSS) at Abesim, near Sunyani.

The meeting, organised by the NSCS, brought together heads of departments and agencies, security personnel, civil society organisations, students and representatives of other state institutions.

Describing the NSS as the foundation of national safety, the Regional Minister said the document provided a framework for identifying security threats, determining national assets that required protection and guiding responses to potential dangers.

He explained that national security went beyond the work of the military and police, stressing that it also involved creating an environment where people could pursue their livelihoods without fear.

“And so, it isn't only about soldiers and police but about the farmer being safe to go to his farm, the market woman being safe to sell her goods, the student being safe to learn, the business owner being safe to invest and every Ghanaian being safe in his home and community,” he stated.

He further argued that a clear security strategy allowed authorities to anticipate and prevent threats rather than wait for incidents to occur before responding.

“Without a strategy, security becomes reactive. We only act after a crime has happened. With a strategy, we become proactive, and we anticipate, we prevent and we coordinate,” he added.

Mr Akwaboa said security was also interconnected with food production, youth employment, healthcare delivery, environmental protection and good governance.

He noted that the existing strategy had provided guidance for the work of the Regional Security Council, Municipal and District Security Councils, as well as security agencies over the past six years.

However, he observed that Ghana's security environment had changed considerably since the strategy was introduced in 2020, making it necessary to review the document to reflect emerging challenges.

He expressed concern about the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel, warning that instability in the sub-region was bringing security risks closer to Ghana's borders.

The Minister also identified the proliferation of small arms, transnational organised crime and irregular migration as threats requiring stronger attention.

He said criminal networks were increasingly exploiting digital platforms and technology to perpetrate offences, including cybercrime and mobile money fraud.

“We are seeing more cyber and mobile money frauds, online scams and the use of social media to spread false information that can create fear and tension,” he said.

Mr Akwaboa further highlighted the security implications of climate change, competition over land and water resources, chieftaincy disputes and rising drug and substance abuse among young people.

Meanwhile, 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.