Muntaka Tasks Security Agencies to Intensify Intelligence-Led Operations in Western Region
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has called on security agencies in the Western Region to strengthen intelligence gathering and adopt proactive operational strategies to address emerging security threats.
He said the changing nature of crime, growing sophistication of criminal networks and increasing use of technology required security institutions to move beyond responding to incidents and prioritise early detection and prevention.
“Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, technology is changing the nature of crime, and threats increasingly extend beyond traditional institutional boundaries. We must therefore be proactive, not reactive,” he said.
Mr. Muntaka made the call during an engagement with officers of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), as part of his working visit to the Western Region.
He said the region’s strategic importance to Ghana’s economy and security, coupled with its international boundary with Côte d’Ivoire and extensive coastline, required a coordinated approach to managing security risks.
He identified mining, oil and gas, fishing, agriculture and commercial activities as key features of the region that demanded sustained security attention.
The Minister urged the various security commands to strengthen collaboration and share intelligence to address threats that cut across institutional jurisdictions.
He identified drug trafficking, border security and illegal mining as areas requiring closer cooperation among the agencies.
He also underscored the importance of community participation in crime prevention, saying residents were often the first to observe suspicious activities and developments that could pose security risks.
He therefore encouraged security personnel to build stronger relationships with communities and establish effective channels for receiving and acting on relevant information.
On professional conduct, the Minister cautioned officers against abusing the authority entrusted to them, stressing that their responsibilities must be discharged with discipline and accountability.
He acknowledged the operational challenges confronting the services, particularly inadequate logistics, equipment, infrastructure, accommodation and personnel welfare.
The Minister, however, assured the officers that Government, under President John Dramani Mahama, was working to retool security institutions, strengthen their operational capacity and improve conditions of service.
He commended the personnel for their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining national security and urged them to demonstrate effective leadership, discipline and cooperation.
He said the performance of the various security institutions should be measured by tangible results in addressing security concerns and protecting lives and property.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
