It is not far from the truth for one to conclude that Ghana’s National Security has come under threat following a series of conflicts and clashes between some tribes, citizens and security officers in the country.
In November 2023 alone the National Security and the Interior Ministers have had the course to appear before Parliament on numerous occasions to answer questions on some major conflict occurrences in the country.
Yesterday, Wednesday, November 22 2023 the Ministers of Interior and National Security were summoned by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin to appear before the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament on Thursday morning, November 23 2023 following a recent conflict between the Mo and Wangara tribes in Kintampo North Municipality.
On the other hand residents in Nkwanta in the Oti Region have fled their homes following renewed clashes between the Adele, Challa, and Akyode tribes over disagreements on the performance of ritual rites related to the 2023 annual Yam Festival.
According to media reports on the unfortunate incident, several persons have been injured while a total of eight persons have lost their lives.
The Interior Minister, Honorable Ambose Derry based on the advice of the Oti Regional Security Council imposed a curfew on the Nkwanta Township effective Tuesday, November 21 2023 as part of measures to restore calm and peace in the area.
Meanwhile, woodworkers at the Sokoban Wood Village enclave in the Ashanti Region have sought intervention from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and relevant authorities to prevent a potential conflict between the association and traditional authorities over a piece of land.
Media reports indicate that tension ensued between the woodworkers of the Sokoban Wood Village and some traditional authorities following the destruction of the woodworkers’ shed by a group of armed men alleged to have been hired by the local chiefs.
These incidents follow the military brutalities on residents in Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region of the country which led to the death of one citizen in October this year.
Impacts of The Conflicts On National Security
It is worth noting that the impact of these developments and incidents on the country’s national security could be dreadful if not addressed.
For instance, the recent clashes between some military officers and citizens could have an extreme impact on the country’s human rights records as evidence in recent incidents confirm the use of excessive force by some members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Thus, reports of human rights abuses could worsen the country’s performance on global human rights indices such as the United States Department Country’s Reports on Human Rights Practices, Amnesty International etc.
This can cause severe damage to the country’s reputation as well as condemnations from international bodies.
Again, the recent conflict development between some ethnic groups in the country could result in a breakdown of law and order which can lead to an increase in crime rates.
For instance, the diversion of security resources to manage such internal conflicts may create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
Additionally, the recent tribal and citizen-military clashes and conflicts could also negatively impact economic development in the country.
The instability created by these conflicts can deter foreign investment, disrupt economic activities, and lead to the destruction of critical infrastructure, hindering the overall economic progress of the nation.
It is therefore imperative for the government and all stakeholders to take immediate steps and measures to drastically control the occurrences of these developments and prevent further occurrences to avert their negative effects on the country.
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