CJ calls for reforms in security sector

Accra, Aug. 26, GNA - Justice Mr George Kingsley Acquah, Chief Justice has noted that Ghana needed to review and reform its structures according to the dictates of the times because she could no longer afford a piece-meal and rigid approach to security management issues. He said, "Our historical, institutional as well as cultural antecedents continue to influence our actions. This is a path we must deviate from, accept change and learn to manage change effectively in a rapidly changing environment". Justice Acquah was speaking on Friday at the closing of the Second Ghana Security Sector Governance and Management Course, organized by the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) at Teshie near Accra. The course, which brought together 35 participants from the security agencies, some government agencies and recognizable bodies was aimed at facilitating the achievement of a more coordinated and integrative approach in addressing national security issues.
It was also to sensitise the participants on the practice of effective planning, coordination and management of security sector within a modern and wider context.
Justice Acquah observed that the continuing and increasing global terrorism has necessitated changes, to management of security in many nations.
He noted that today's terrorists have no clearly demarcated boundaries, and that this called for the preparedness of Ghana to modify its structures and agencies to address those emerging threats. The Chief Justice however, reminded the participants that the real threats to the nation related to poverty, disease and ignorance, among others.
He held that the country's strategy must therefore be aimed at achieving economic security, food security, health security, environment security, personal security and political security.
"We need to build the capacity to be able to confront all the broad issues of national security of today and the future. These are the intentions of government."
Justice Acquah reminded the participants that the practice of democracy had rightly emboldened the citizenry to question violations of constitutional provisions and abuse of fundamental rights and freedoms. He noted that national security matters transcended the interest of any political party, saying, "For without security no political party can function nor our efforts at promoting the peace and welfare of the people materialize."
Justice Acquah told the participants: "You must accordingly submerge whatever personal preference, you have for any political party, and join forces with each other in not only exposing threats to the peace of this nation but also promoting and maintaining the security of the state."
He tasked the participants to use the unique experience acquired from the course to ensure that a closer appreciation and cooperation exist between them, not only as individuals but their various organizations as well.
"Remember people will resist change, but use tact, diplomacy and above all highlight the inherent benefits, to convince such people", he told them.
Major General George Ayiku, Commandant of GAFCSC implored the participants to pay attention to issues on human security because it had become a new measure of global security and a new agenda for global action.
He told them that human security should be advanced in the country through protecting and promoting human rights, the rule of law, democratic governance, a culture of peace and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Commandant tasked the participants to employ innovative and creative approaches to address the sources of insecurity, remedy the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of threats that affect the daily lives of the people. 26 Aug. 05