NATIONAL SECURITY ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON COUNTER TERRORISM AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN SUNYANI

Officials of the National Counter-terrorism Fusion Centre of the National Security Council Secretariat in partnership with Interpol engaged several other stakeholders in Sunyani, capital of the Bono Region, from March 18 to March 20, 2025 to review the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.

In his opening and welcoming address, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Honourable Bono Regional Minister called for a timely and robust framework against emerging threats of violent extremist groups, given the rising threats from the neighbouring countries. The Minister noted that Ghana has been fortunate to have avoided direct terrorist attacks, but its vulnerabilities, such as proximity to countries affected by violent extremism and terrorism, and limited public awareness, make it essential to strengthen its security framework.

The Regional Minister made the call during a stakeholder meeting organized by the National Counter Terrorism and Extremism Centre of the National Security Council Secretariat with support from Interpol in Sunyani to review the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET) launched in 2019 to prevent terrorism and minimize threats to Ghana and its interests.

The event, held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel in Fiapre-Sunyani was themed “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Ghana.”

He observed that it was imperative to continuously assess, redefine, evolve, and strengthen the security framework strategies to stay ahead of these emerging security challenges. “We must be proactive in strengthening our resilience, re-enforcing our security strategies and fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society, traditional authorities and the public,” he emphasized.

Hon. Akwaboa further assured attendees of the unwavering commitment of the NDC government, led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to ensuring maximum security for the nation. He also pledged his full support to the National Security, stating that his doors remain open to provide any assistance necessary for the successful execution of the three-day forum.

Lieutenant Colonel Kofi Akoto Appau, the Commanding Officer in-charge of the 3BN Liberation Barracks, Sunyani who chaired the review process said the document was not new to a lot of people. He noted that the exercise allows National Security to introduce it to the stakeholders. “The NAFPCVET document is a national policy document that serves as the blueprint for Ghana’s response to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism. It is subject to review every two years to current trends and threats of violent extremism and terrorism,” he noted.

Lieutenant Colonel Kofi Akoto Appau noted that the review is held on a regional basis, indicating that some regions have peculiarities when it comes to violent extremism and terrorism. The review, he said would enable stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the national framework in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism and to provide recommendations. He observed that the review has allowed stakeholders to come together to share their expertise on the document to build cooperation and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional authorities and academia.

Madam Dorothy Barnes, Women Peace and Security Project Officer who works with Foundation Security and Development in Africa in her remarks said gender dynamics influence recruitment, radicalization and responses to extremism. She noted that attention should be paid to especially women group and how they can easily be influenced. Madam Dorothy added that action should be taken to recognize the roles that they play in society so that they can be used to the advantage of National Security.

Nana Addai Munumkum Korang, Sunyani Tifihene of Sunyani Traditional Council who represented the Bono Regional House of Chiefs at the programme in his remarks said the chiefs at their regular meetings would sensitize their members on the prevention and countering violent extremism and terrorism to ensure they are security conscious. He said when the need arose national Security Officials would be given an invitation to brief the House on trending and emerging issues of security concern.

Source: Imoro T. Ayibani, Information Service-Bono Region