By Maxwell Awumah
Ho, Oct. 14, GNA – Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister of the Interior, has urged regional leaders to strengthen community security, promote dialogue and deepen cross-border cooperation to safeguard peace and stability in the Volta and Oti regions.
He said security must remain at the centre of national development efforts to stimulate economic growth and social progress.
The Minister made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf by his Deputy, Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, at a training workshop on the Security and Intelligence Act, 2026 (Act 1168), for members of the Volta and Oti Regional Security Councils and 111, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Ho.
The workshop was organised to acquaint participants with the provisions of the Act, which was passed in March this year, and its application in maintaining peace and security as part of the National Security Reform Programme.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said security was a shared responsibility and not the sole preserve of the security agencies.
He noted that public officials entrusted with leadership had the responsibility of creating conditions that enabled institutions to function effectively and inspired confidence in the State.
The Minister said the distinct geographical, social and economic characteristics of the Volta and Oti regions, coupled with their border location and diverse communities, presented both opportunities and security challenges.
He observed that the unique nature of Ghana’s border with neighbouring Togo posed additional security concerns, as some residents crossed the border daily for schooling, farming, trading and other social activities.
“We must also remain vigilant against activities such as trafficking, smuggling, organized crime and other forms of cross-border criminality. At the same time, we must recognize that security is not only about what happens at our borders,” he said.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak urged security agencies to protect communities from violence arising from land disputes, communal tensions and other local conflicts.
He said effective security depended on public confidence, professionalism, fairness, discipline and respect for the law.
The Minister also called for greater recognition of the role of traditional authorities, religious leaders and community stakeholders, describing them as vital partners in information sharing and peacebuilding.
“We must also understand that security and development are inseparable. Insecurity disrupts economic activity. It affects investment, education, livelihoods, and social cohesion. Conversely, a secure environment gives people the confidence to invest, work, and build our communities,” he said.
Our objective, therefore, must not simply be to respond to student incidents.
“We must be proactive and identify where there gaps and focus on the practical measures that are strengthening our ability to protect lives, property, and the peace of our communities.
“Let us therefore use this engagement to renew our commitment to the people of the Volta/Oti. Let us protect our communities, uphold the rule of law, strengthen public confidence, and ensure our security efforts support our people’s development.”
Major-General William Ayamdo (Rtd), Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Operations, called on regional authorities to work closely with traditional leaders, religious bodies, youth groups and other stakeholders to resolve disputes before they escalated into violence.
He said security must extend beyond the activities of security agencies to ensure that citizens could engage in their daily activities without fear.
“Security and the well-being of our people are about whether a farmer can go to his farm without fear, whether a trader can conduct business safely, and whether a child can go to school in peace,” he stressed.
He said preserving Ghana’s peace required collective responsibility, effective leadership and sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, in a welcome address, urged participants to approach the training with open minds and apply the knowledge acquired to enhance leadership, strengthen institutions and build public confidence.
He also encouraged security agencies to continue performing their duties professionally and to maintain constructive relationships with the communities they served.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Maxwell Awumah
Email: [email protected]