NSCS engages Northern Region stakeholders on review of national security strategy

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has engaged stakeholders in the Northern Region as part of efforts to review Ghana’s 2020 National Security Strategy to address emerging security threats and reflect the country’s changing security environment.

The engagement, held on Wednesday, in Tamale, formed part of a nationwide consultation exercise to gather views and recommendations from stakeholders across all 16 regions.

The consultations are expected to provide regional perspectives on prevailing security threats, risks, vulnerabilities and emerging concerns to inform the development of a revised national security strategy.

The Deputy Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), Mr. Alhassan Abdul-Haq, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, described the exercise as an important step towards strengthening Ghana’s national security framework.

He said national security was a shared responsibility that required the active participation and cooperation of government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Abdul-Haq noted that the changing security environment required regular assessments of the country’s security priorities to identify emerging threats and develop appropriate measures to protect lives, property and national development.

He therefore urged participants to contribute their experiences, concerns and recommendations to ensure that the revised strategy reflected the security needs and realities of the various regions.

Representatives of the NSCS subsequently made presentations on the review process, outlining its objectives and the need for a comprehensive and coordinated national approach to identifying, preventing and responding to security threats.

The presentations also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among relevant institutions and stakeholders to address the changing nature of security challenges.

Participants were given the opportunity to share practical experiences, seek clarification and make recommendations based on their understanding of the security situation in the Northern Region.

The interactive discussions provided a platform for stakeholders to identify concerns and propose measures to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

Their contributions are expected to inform the review by ensuring that the revised strategy takes into account security concerns at both the national and regional levels.

The nationwide consultation exercise is expected to culminate in a revised National Security Strategy that will provide a framework for anticipating, preventing and responding to security threats while promoting peace, stability, public safety and sustainable national development

Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson -ISD