Northern Region security authorities have appealed for additional logistical and operational support to strengthen their response to emerging security threats, including drug trafficking, substance abuse and potential terrorism-related risks.
The appeal was made during a meeting between the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), civil society organisations and a European Union delegation led by Birgitte Nygaard Markussen, the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, in Tamale on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The meeting focused on the region’s security situation, ongoing interventions and opportunities for stronger cooperation between local security institutions and international partners amid wider security concerns across the Sahel.
Chief Satia Naa Adam, Regional Security Liaison Officer, who briefed the delegation on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, outlined the coordination mechanisms used by REGSEC and security agencies to monitor threats and respond to emerging challenges.
He said his office worked closely with security agencies to address concerns ranging from drug trafficking and substance abuse to potential terrorism-related threats, stressing the importance of intelligence-sharing, inter-agency coordination and timely responses to security alerts.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect lives and property, he called for increased resources to improve the operational capacity of security institutions and enable them to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
The briefing was followed by questions and discussions on the region’s security dynamics and areas requiring continued attention.
Ms Markussen commended REGSEC for the briefing, saying it offered valuable insights into local security structures, ongoing interventions and the challenges confronting authorities.
She emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with regional authorities, security agencies and civil society organisations in shaping effective approaches to peacebuilding and security cooperation.
The Acting Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, welcomed the delegation and commended the EU for engaging stakeholders on peace and security in the Northern Region and the wider Sahel.
Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, who chairs REGSEC, said peace and security were essential to economic activity, social cohesion and the effective implementation of development programmes.
He called for collective action involving government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society groups and local communities to prevent threats from escalating into major security incidents.
The meeting also highlighted the role of civil society organisations in conflict prevention, early warning, public education and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the EU and local stakeholders on security challenges affecting the Northern Region and the wider Sahel. However, the extent of additional support arising from the discussions was not specified.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
