By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Sept. 11, GNA – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has called for broad stakeholder participation in the review of Ghana’s National Security Strategy to ensure that it reflects the security realities and needs of communities across the country.
He said contributions from traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders would help make the revised strategy a truly national framework rather than merely an “Accra document.”
Mr Gunu made the call in an engagement speech at a stakeholder consultation in Ho on September 9, to gather inputs towards the review of the National Security Strategy.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their experiences and perspectives for consideration in the revised strategy, describing the exercise as necessary in response to the rapidly changing sub-regional, national and global security environment.
“As Chairman of the Volta Regional Security Council, I am heartened to see such a diverse representation of our region, from our revered traditional elders to our security chiefs and civil society,” he said.
Mr Gunu said security threats had evolved beyond conventional concerns, with violent extremism, cyber threats, criminal activities and communal disputes presenting emerging challenges that required new approaches.
He said the changing security environment required a strategy that was robust and responsive to the unique realities of the Volta Region and the country as a whole.
The Minister acknowledged the role of the Regional Security Council in maintaining law and order but stressed that national security was no longer the exclusive responsibility of security personnel.
“Security is a shared national responsibility. A whole-of-society approach is the only way to build sustainable resilience. Our communities are the first line of defence. Your presence here today signifies that you are partners in this mission,” he said.
Mr Gunu urged stakeholders to be candid in their contributions by identifying what was working, what was not working and vulnerabilities specific to the region, including border security, land disputes, youth unemployment, environmental insecurity and communal disputes.
He said such ground-level insights were indispensable to the review process and would help bridge the gap between policies that appeared effective on paper and strategies capable of addressing actual security challenges.
“Your honesty is the bridge between policy that looks good on paper and one that would actually save our lives,” Mr Gunu said.
He said the contributions would ensure that the revised strategy was not merely an “Accra document,” but a Ghanaian framework that addressed the needs and security realities of citizens across the country.
Mr Gunu said the stability of communities remained a cornerstone of national development and urged participants to engage meaningfully and provide practical recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s national security framework.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/audrey Dekalu