Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe, has expressed serious concerns regarding the challenges facing Ghana’s National Security, highlighting issues of inadequate funding, delayed budget disbursements, and the evolving nature of modern crime.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he called for urgent attention to these matters, stressing their impact on the country’s ability to maintain national security.
“Speaker, if you look at the report, especially paragraph seven, it indicates the following challenges faced by the Ministry of National Security in 2024. And Speaker, I’m looking at even the first one – inadequate allocation and delays in budgetary disbursement”
Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe
He particularly emphasized delays in the disbursement of allocated funds, arguing that such setbacks hindered proactive security measures.
He explained that delayed funding prevented security agencies from acting to avert threats.
He warned that without timely intelligence operations, security agencies would only be responding to crimes after they had already caused damage.
“Speaker, for me, all these conversations are very critical, but what happens when the money doesn’t get to the ministry? – now the National Security Agency or Council, it means that there won’t be preemptive acts”
Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe
He stressed that a proactive approach to security requires timely intelligence gathering, and without proper financial support, the country risks being caught off guard by security threats.
Modern Crime and Cybersecurity Risks
The MP further warned that the changing nature of crime required the National Security Council to be well-equipped with modern technology and expertise.
He noted that criminals were increasingly using digital means to carry out fraudulent activities, including cybercrime schemes such as “Sakawa,” which has become more sophisticated.
“Speaker, when people can sit in their rooms and ensure that they lift so much money, and you are not versed with the kind of technicalities and techniques, you are not emboldened to ensure that these things are prevented”
Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe
He warned that without strengthening cybersecurity measures, even critical institutions like Parliament could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
“You’ll be here in Parliament, and the whole system may be hacked,” he cautioned.
To address these threats, he called for increased funding for the National Security Council to invest in intelligence and technological advancements that could counter modern security risks.
Budget Allocation, Misuse of Security Personnel
Hon. Shaib criticized the current budget allocation for National Security, describing it as inadequate for intelligence operations.
He noted that out of the GH₵2.9 billion allocated to the sector, GH₵2.4 billion was set aside for compensation, leaving only GH₵500 million for operational activities.
He argued that this amount was insufficient to address security concerns, especially given the complexity of modern threats.
“500 million is not going to do anything for intelligence,” he remarked.
Beyond funding challenges, he also raised concerns about the improper deployment of National Security personnel.
He recounted an incident where National Security operatives were sent to interfere with a weightlifting election, questioning why such personnel were being assigned to tasks unrelated to their mandate.
“Let me also just take this opportunity to advise that we should also use the National Security Council for purposes that they are meant for”
Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe
He argued that such misallocation of security personnel was unacceptable, especially when the agency was already facing issues of “under-capacity and inadequate,” staffing.
“So you ask yourself, are they there to do the work that they are tasked to do?” he questioned.
He concluded by urging the government to ensure that the National Security Council remained focused on its primary responsibilities.
“It is very critical that with all the money that we are thinking of pushing to them, they make sure that they do what they are expected to do as National Security operatives”
Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe
For him, National Security personnel should be utilized for their intended functions, and the sector should be adequately resourced to address emerging threats effectively.
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