The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has warned that unemployment, social exclusion and economic vulnerability, alongside communal disputes and organised crime, pose growing security concerns for the region.
He has consequently called for a coordinated approach involving security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and local communities to address emerging threats before they escalate.
The Minister made the call in a speech read on his behalf by the Regional Coordinating Director, Bless Kwame Darkey, at a regional stakeholders’ engagement on the review of Ghana’s 2020 National Security Strategy in Bolgatanga.
The meeting, held at Akayet Hotel in Bolgatanga on Monday, November 2, brought together representatives of security agencies, traditional authorities, political parties, religious groups, academia, organised labour, civil society organisations and the media.
According to the Minister, the region faces a range of security challenges, including communal and boundary disputes, mining-related tensions, drug and substance abuse, organised crime and youth vulnerability.
He cautioned against treating security as the exclusive responsibility of law enforcement agencies, stressing that sustainable peace requires the active participation of all sections of society.
He said government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and local communities all have important roles to play in identifying threats, preventing conflicts and strengthening community resilience.
The Minister further urged stakeholders to look beyond the immediate manifestations of insecurity and address underlying socio-economic conditions that could make communities vulnerable to criminal activities and instability.
He called on participants to submit practical recommendations that would help identify emerging threats, clarify institutional responsibilities and improve coordination among relevant institutions.
Mr Atanga reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to working with the National Security Council Secretariat, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other stakeholders to strengthen peace and security across the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
