President Akufo-Addo has launched the country’s National Security Strategy document aimed at preserving the security and sovereignty of the country.

Speaking at the commissioning of a newly-constructed building for the Ministry of National Security, he explained that, the document is essential for the existence of Ghana’s national security architecture.

Additionally, he noted that, the vision of the strategy is to maintain Ghana as an open and tolerant country.

“The National Security Strategy also aims to establish Ghana as a land of opportunities. With the resolve and the capability to protect her people, her culture and her values, to spur growth, development and prosperity that’ll inure to the well-being of her people; whilst positioning the country to play a meaningful and influential role at regional, continental and global levels”.

President Akufo-Addo further revealed that, the strategy will optimise the effectiveness of security and intelligence sector. To achieve this, he spelt out the need to revamp current systems and structures once it becomes operational.

National Security Strategy

Touching on the strategy embedded in the document, the President indicated that it will prioritise the effective use of “resources to promote effective decision-making”.

To this end, it will provide an “institutional system that will ensure integrated and efficient coordination in all spectrums of national security.”

According to President Akufo-Addo, the document is historic and will prepare Ghana to face present and future threats.

“Since our nation was founded 64 years ago; Ghana has never had a security strategy that defines the country’s approach to preserving its peace, security, and stability and the plans it has to confront current and future threats. To achieve this, it is imperative for the appropriate national security strategy, which will serve as a pivot around which Ghana’s national security will resolve, to be produced”.

Minister for National Security to organise workshops

President Akufo-Addo revealed further that the new Security and Intelligence Agencies Act (Act 1030) has made provision for the creation of a Ministerial Security Coordinating Committee.

He further stated that this includes the Ministers for National Security, Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Justice and Communications and Digitalisation.

“Indeed, the multifaceted nature of the National Security Strategy, which assigns different roles to the various Ministries and Agencies, underscores the need for extensive education and sensitisation on the content of the Strategy”.

Following this, he tasked the Minister for National Security to organise workshops for all Ministers and state officials.

The President revealed this is to help deepen their understanding of their roles in the implementation of the strategy.

“I acknowledge that, on matters regarding the implementation of strategies that are beneficial to the State, resource allocation and budgetary funding is key. Informed by this, the National Security Strategy requires the Minister for Finance to collaborate with the Minister for National Security to establish a Security Fund to support the implementation of the Strategy in emergency and crises.

“I have directed the Ministry of National Security to come up with revised timelines for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to develop their specific strategies, frameworks, policies and action plans per the National Security Strategy”.