The Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Abubakari Adam Takoro, has warned that the growing use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) poses a serious threat to the safety of citizens worldwide, including Ghana, and requires urgent preventive action rooted in strong community–security collaboration.
He made the observation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when delivered a speech on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, at a national security dialogue organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Tamale. The workshop was aimed at Strengthening Communication for Prevention and Enhancing Resilience.
Hon. Takoro said the increasing reliance on IEDs by terrorist and violent extremist groups has made them one of the most dangerous emerging security threats in West Africa, noting that their impact goes beyond physical destruction to long-term psychological, social and economic damage.
“The rise in the use of Improvised Explosive Devices poses serious risks to the safety of citizens across the globe, and our region is not an exception,” he stated. “They are deliberately used to spread fear, destabilise communities and undermine peace.”
The Mayor cautioned that Northern Ghana remains vulnerable due to its strategic location, porous borders and high levels of cross-border movement, conditions which could be exploited by criminal networks trafficking explosives, precursor materials and small arms.
According to him, Ghana has traditionally responded to security threats after they escalate, but the current approach must shift toward prevention and early warning.
“Though IEDs may not be an immediate security challenge in Ghana today, they represent a major risk if we fail to raise awareness and build resilience within our communities,” Hon. Takoro said.
He stressed that effective communication between security institutions and local communities is critical to detecting threats early, urging transparent information-sharing and sustained public education.
“When citizens understand the risks, they are better positioned to report suspicious activity and support law enforcement efforts,” he added.
Hon. Takoro also emphasised that no single institution can address the IED threat alone, calling for coordinated action involving security agencies, justice institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, development partners and the media.
He commended the UNODC for facilitating the engagement, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening national and regional resilience against emerging security threats.
The Tamale Mayor reaffirmed the commitment of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to supporting inter-agency cooperation and community-based security initiatives aimed at safeguarding peace in the region and across Ghana.
Source: www.kumasmail.com
