The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, emphasized the necessity for a coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy to combat terrorism, as Ghana encounters increasing threats from terrorist organizations within the West African sub-region.
He made this statement during his address at the National Counter-Terrorism Stakeholders Meeting held at the National Security Council Secretariat in Accra.
He underscored the significance of dependable databases and efficient information sharing in the fight against terrorism, stating, “Information should be disseminated promptly so that it can be swiftly transformed into intelligence to aid in decision-making and protect lives.”
The meeting, titled “Strengthening Counter-Terrorism through Reliable Databases and Effective Information Sharing,” convened stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for tackling the intricate and evolving menace of terrorism.
Muntaka praised the nation’s security agencies for their dedication to preserving peace and stability but cautioned against complacency, noting the closeness of terrorist activities to Ghana’s borders.
The Minister announced that the Ministry of the Interior is developing a comprehensive national strategy to combat organized crime, focusing on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation, and strengthening border security.
The Minister called upon stakeholders to collaborate, avoiding competition and territorial disputes, to create the necessary synergy in collective efforts aimed at ensuring peace, security, and safety within the country.
The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul-Razak, also advocated for a unified mandate and collaboration as a group to contribute effectively, actively, and proactively to counter-terrorism efforts, as the sub-region stands at the forefront of this challenge.
He further stated that preventing violent extremism requires a whole-of-society approach rooted in coordination, vigilance, and shared responsibility among institutions and communities.
