By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, June 16, GNA- The Volta Region’s reputation for peace has earned it the spotlight as a case study for national cohesion, with researchers saying its stability offers lessons for Ghana and Africa.
The research team from the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS), Burma Camp, Accra, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Volta Regional Minister in his office, kicking off field research on the theme “National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development” for the College’s third cohort.
The NCDS, the highest professional military education institute in the country, established in 2023, runs a course on a selected theme annually, leading to the award of a Master of Science in Strategy and a Fellow of the College.
The institute admits senior officers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and allied countries including Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda and Zambia, aiming to equip leaders for strategic command, policy formulation and inter-agency cooperation at home and abroad.
Brigadier General Eric Konadu, the Deputy Commandant, the NCDS, who led the team said Volta Region was selected based on its unique characteristics.
“To a very large extent, it has been very peaceful, with only a few pockets of chieftaincy issues. For the most part, it has sustained peace. So, we are trying to look at the relationship between national cohesion, peace and sustainable development, and see how it is being achieved in the Volta Region.”
“For this year, we go out with this theme: ‘National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development’ to get the nexus between national cohesion, security and sustainable development. When we finish the study in Ghana (being carried out in Volta and Ashanti regions), we also conduct research outside Ghana based on the same theme.
Based on that, we write a report that goes to the highest level of the country to guide policy on how to achieve national cohesion, security and sustainable development,” Brigadier General Konadu said.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, thanked the team for choosing the Volta Region, saying the region’s calm atmosphere makes it an attractive destination for investment in the country.
He praised the GAF for setting high standards in research and leadership while congratulating the military for its steadfast commitment and courage, noting that the NCDS programme reflected the institution’s drive for excellence.
The Minister linked national unity to development progress, saying “Cohesion and security are twin concepts. One leads to the other. Once you have national cohesion, you have peace and security, and then sustainable development follows.”
He added that “Ghanaians rally behind the Black Stars,” especially at the World Cup, and must replicate that unity in politics, tribe and religion to “sustain national cohesion so that stability can be sustained, and then we can have sustainable development.”
Mr Gunu said while the region had some human security issues in areas of employment, health and water, steps were being taken to address them to keep the region’s peace.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts by traditional leaders, security agencies, local assemblies and the media to guard the region’s peace and unity while also giving the credit to cultural values of the people.
Cohort participants also engaged the Minister directly, seeking clarifications to confirm their understanding of the region before moving out of Ho to conduct field research in the four selected districts of Adaklu, Agotime-Ziope, Ho West and South Dayi.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo
Reporter’s email: [email protected]