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President Akufo-Addo advocates for strengthened regional security mechanisms at IDEC 2024
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the opening of the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) 2024, called for a comprehensive strategy to address the diverse security challenges facing Africa.
Held at the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters in Accra, the conference gathered defence experts and stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance regional mechanisms for addressing contemporary security issues.
The President highlighted the interconnected nature of security threats on the continent, ranging from terrorism and organized crime to cybersecurity and climate-induced risks.
“The security landscape in Africa is characterized by a variety of threats that are interconnected and often transcend national borders,” he said. “Given the transnational nature of these threats, no single African country can address them alone. It is only through regional cooperation and collaboration that we can effectively counter these challenges,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo proposed several strategies to strengthen regional security mechanisms, including enhancing intelligence sharing and coordination, building capacity for peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, and establishing the ECOWAS Standby Force.
He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, stating, “Effective intelligence sharing and coordination among African nations are crucial for preempting and responding to security threats. Intelligence is the lifeblood of security operations, and without timely and accurate information, our efforts will be in vain.”
The President also called for increased investment in building the capacity of security forces to undertake peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations.
He stressed the need for specialized training to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats, including cyber threats. Additionally, he underscored the importance of establishing the ECOWAS Standby Force to respond swiftly and effectively to threats and uphold democratic governance.
On the issue of maritime security, President Akufo-Addo urged African nations to enhance their maritime security capabilities to protect their vast coastlines and maritime resources.
He advocated for increased investment in naval and coast guard assets, as well as greater cooperation between coastal states.
“Africa’s vast coastline and maritime resources are a critical part of our economic development. We should enhance our maritime security capabilities to protect these resources from illegal activities,” he stated.
Addressing the impact of climate change on security, President Akufo-Addo called for integrating climate security considerations into national and regional security strategies. He emphasized the need for climate adaptation and mitigation measures to enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related shocks.
The President concluded his address by calling for inclusive governance and development to address the root causes of insecurity.
He stated, “Security is not just the absence of violence; it is also the presence of justice, equity, and opportunity. We should address the root causes of insecurity by fostering inclusive governance and promoting sustainable development.”
As the conference progresses, President Akufo-Addo expressed hope for fruitful discussions that would lead to actionable outcomes, contributing to a more secure and prosperous Africa.
“By enhancing our regional mechanisms and fostering closer cooperation among African nations, we can build a safer and more secure continent for future generations,” he concluded.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has successfully conducted constituency executive elections in 245 out of its 276 constituencies across the country.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the exercise recorded an 88.7 per cent success rate and was conducted peacefully in the constituencies where voting took place.
In an update posted on his Facebook page, he said elections in 23 constituencies were put on hold because of various disputes.
He added that four constituencies Ningo Prampram, Atwima Mponua, Obuasi West and Trobu could not hold their elections due to last minute challenges.
According to him, the party’s National Steering Committee will also review election activities in Afigya Sekyere East, Adansi Asokwa, Bantama and Asante Akyem Central.
Mr Frimpong said the National Secretariat is committed to resolving all outstanding issues to ensure the successful completion of the constituency executive elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the party for their support and discipline throughout the exercise.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all Patriots for their commitment, discipline, and support, which contributed to the successful conduct of these elections,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with the murder of a 36-year-old Nigerian man at Sanzirigu in Tamale.
The suspects, identified as Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, were arrested on Saturday, July 11, shortly after the body of Nkemujika Uzorchuku Eze was found in his bedroom.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations showed that the deceased lived in a three-bedroom apartment with his wife, Peace Uzorchuku, the two suspects and another Nigerian national, Godwin Nwafor.
The Police said officers began investigations after receiving a report that the deceased had been found lying in a pool of blood in his room.
A team that visited the scene found that he had suffered a deep cut to the forehead and had a towel stuffed into his mouth. The room had also been ransacked.
The Police said a wooden pestle believed to have been used in the attack, together with other items, was recovered from the scene for forensic examination.
The body was taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where a medical officer confirmed him dead before it was deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
According to the Police, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the two suspects at Tatale on the same day while they were allegedly attempting to escape into the Republic of Togo.
They were later handed over to the Tamale District Criminal Investigations Department to assist with investigations.
The Police said the suspects allegedly admitted during interrogation that they had conspired to kill the deceased because he had been withholding money they claimed was obtained through internet fraud.
A search conducted after their arrest led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from the deceased’s room, including mobile phones, laptop computers, a tablet, jewellery, clothing, wristwatches, personal documents and other valuables. The Police said the items have been kept as exhibits to support the investigations.
The suspects remain in Police custody and are expected to appear before court on Monday, July 13, to facilitate the ongoing investigations.
The Northern Regional Police Command said it remains committed to bringing everyone involved in the crime to justice and urged the public to provide credible information to help fight crime.
By: Jacob Aggrey
