By Freda Mwini, GNA
Wa, Nov. 09, GNA – Mr Shaiku Mumuni Damma, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging security threats in the Upper West Region.
He said the region’s security environment was becoming increasingly complex, requiring new approaches and enhanced cooperation among security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations (CSOs), and local communities.
Mr Damma made the call in a speech delivered on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, at a regional stakeholders’ engagement on the review of the 2020 National Security Strategy, held in Wa over the weekend.
The engagement brought together representatives of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, students, heads of departments and agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Mr Damma noted that the region’s proximity to Burkina Faso presented unique security challenges that demanded constant vigilance and proactive measures.
He explained that national security extended beyond protecting territorial integrity and maintaining law and order, encompassing economic stability, food security, public health, social cohesion, and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
Citing the recent explosion at Hamile, which claimed the lives of two civilians and an immigration officer, Mr Damma said the incident underscored the need to strengthen border surveillance, intelligence gathering, and information sharing.
He also called for increased attention to threats such as violent extremism, terrorism, communal conflicts, drug abuse, organised crime, and other activities that could undermine peace and stability in the region and the country.
“Consequently, national security is not the sole responsibility of the security agencies; it is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of government institutions, traditional authorities, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the private sector, political actors and citizens of the Upper West region,” Mr Damma maintained.
He expressed hope that the consultation would generate actionable recommendations to improve early warning and response systems, strengthen coordination among security institutions, and address vulnerabilities that expose communities to insecurity.
Mr George Loh, Director of Legal and Compliance at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), said the review of the strategy was necessary to respond effectively to emerging security threats and evolving societal trends.
He explained that the 2020-2024 National Security Strategy required updates to reflect new challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, cyber threats, and the growing influence of social media.
Mr Loh noted that the concept of national security had evolved beyond the traditional focus on the police, military, and other security agencies to a broader human security approach.
He therefore emphasised the crucial role of citizens in national security efforts, noting that valuable intelligence often originated from ordinary people within communities.
Mr Loh said views gathered from the nationwide consultations would inform the development of a new National Security Strategy for 2026-2030.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Freda Mwini