The government is undertaking a major expansion of Ghana’s security infrastructure in northern Ghana, with the installation of 50 anti-ballistic cabins and the establishment of 15 Military Forward Operating Bases as part of measures to strengthen the country’s response to emerging security threats.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak disclosed this at the 18th annual Buipe Damba Festival (BUDAFEST) of the chiefs and people of the Buipe Traditional Area.
He said the measures formed part of President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to protect Ghana’s borders and enhance the operational capacity of the country’s security agencies.
According to the Minister, government had also secured 50 armoured vehicles for the Ghana Police Service, 20 for the Ghana Immigration Service and more than 300 pickup trucks for various security agencies over the past year.
He said the additional equipment and infrastructure would strengthen the capacity of security personnel to protect lives and property while enabling them to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
More fire tenders
Mr Muntaka also announced plans to improve fire-fighting capacity across the country, with the first batch of 40 brand-new fire tenders expected to arrive before the end of the year.
He assured residents of Buipe that government would establish a dedicated fire station in the area and allocate a new fire tender to the community.
The announcement followed an appeal by the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, for improved fire and security infrastructure to match Buipe’s growing industrial and commercial activities.
95 drug suspects in custody
On the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, the Interior Minister disclosed that 95 suspects were currently in custody and undergoing prosecution.
He said government was also planning to establish a specialised court in Accra to handle narcotics-related cases and speed up prosecutions.
The move, he said, was intended to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and prevent Ghana from becoming a transit hub for drug syndicates.
Mr Muntaka called on communities to support proactive community policing and prevent illicit activities from taking root.
He cited community-driven security initiatives in Accra Zongo as an example of how local participation could help protect young people and reduce crime.
Muntaka urges Buipe to protect peace
The Minister also commended the chiefs and people of the Buipe Traditional Area for maintaining peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the area.
He said the cultural diversity displayed at BUDAFEST 2026, including Sisala and Boborbor dances alongside other traditional performances, demonstrated the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Mr Muntaka stressed that respect for people irrespective of their ethnic, cultural or religious backgrounds was critical to sustaining peace and national development.
He also praised Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II for his leadership and contribution to national stability, particularly in his capacity as Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.
The Minister noted that the traditional ruler’s background as a former police officer and security professional gave him valuable experience in dealing with chieftaincy disputes and security challenges.
He urged residents to continue protecting the peace in the traditional area and assured them of government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s security institutions.
Mr Muntaka further announced a GH¢50,000 donation to the BUDAFEST 2026 Planning Committee.
The festival was held under the theme, “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence as a Path to Sustainable Development,” and brought together traditional leaders, government officials, Members of Parliament, security agencies, religious leaders and residents to celebrate Buipe’s cultural heritage and discuss issues of peace, security and development.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
