His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reported to the Parliament of Ghana in his last State of the Nation Address (SoNA) that the entire territory that makes up our nation is safe, secure and under the control of the government and people of Ghana.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s opening statement for his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) highlighted the complex and evolving security landscape in Ghana. Despite the country’s efforts to maintain relative calm and address various strategic national threats, the statement underscores the challenges Ghana faces in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
“West Africa is under threat of terrorism and violent extremism, rapidly spreading southwards from the Sahel to coastal West Africa”.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
We can no longer take our countries’ territorial integrity for granted, the President warned the House. He emphasised that with the grace of God, Ghana remains the only coastal state in the Gulf of Guinea that has not yet experienced a terrorist attack, despite the fact that several of our neighbours have already become victims of extremist groups and have lost significant chunks of their territories.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s acknowledgment in his State of the Nation Address that the peace and security in Ghana are not the result of chance but rather deliberate policy, planning, and the hard work of the government and security services underscores the nation’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its citizens. This statement reflects a broader recognition of the investment required in security measures and the trade-offs involved in prioritizing security expenditures over other development needs.
“Since we came into office, we have ensured a significant expansion of the Armed Forces and all the other security agencies. We are paying diligent attention to their welfare as well. The accommodation and physical environment generally of the security agencies are being improved. We have quickened the pace of the retooling and equipping of the security agencies to ensure readiness towards the emerging security threats”.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s emphasis on the importance of street, home, and community security in Ghana highlights the significant role of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) in maintaining safety and security. The Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, has implemented various strategies to improve police-community relations and enhance the safety of communities.
“They are much better equipped than they have ever been, and their increased visibility on the streets goes a long way to reassure the community. The changing image of the Police is, perhaps, best exemplified by the dramatic facelift they have given to the frontage of the Police Headquarters on the Ring Road in Accra. It is beautiful, and I recommend it to all institutions and, indeed, households”.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Bawku Security Challenges Hindering Development
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s emphasis on the internal security challenges Ghana faces, particularly chieftaincy and land disputes, underscores the complexities of managing conflicts within the country. These disputes, which often involve competition over land, resources, and political power, have significant implications for the country’s stability and development.
“Mr Speaker, I must make special mention of the troubles in Bawku. The tragedy is not only that a thriving and dynamic town is being reduced to a wasteland of destruction and distrust, we are spending money and energy that would have been better spent on development needs of Bawku, providing security to keep brothers and sisters from killing each other”.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The situation in Bawku, highlighted by President Akufo-Addo in his State of the Nation Address, underscores the complexities of addressing internal conflicts, particularly those related to chieftaincy disputes, which can serve as magnets for external actors seeking to exploit local grievances.
The government’s efforts to address the Bawku conflict, including the establishment of a special taskforce, intensified engagement with factions, and the shutdown of incendiary media outlets, reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue. The establishment of specialized courts in Accra and Kumasi to expedite the resolution of criminal matters arising from the conflict is a significant step towards ensuring justice and security in the region.
The emphasis on citizen participation, through the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, is crucial in creating an atmosphere that supports security and peace. This campaign encourages the public to report any suspicious activities or incidents that could potentially lead to conflict or instability. It is a proactive measure that leverages the power of community vigilance to enhance security and prevent the escalation of conflicts.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) for 2024 marked his eighth and last address. This address is a constitutional requirement under Article 67, which mandates the head of state to inform the parliament, and thus the Ghanaian public, about the country’s current state and the government’s vision for the year ahead. The anticipation leading up to this address was high, as it is not just a formality but a crucial moment reflecting the nation’s achievements, challenges, and future path as envisioned by its leader.
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