President Nana Akufo-Addo
By Hillary Thompson, Accra
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the security agencies to collaborate effectively with civilians to help safeguard Ghana’s borders.
“If we are going to prevent any implantation of terrorist activity in Ghana, you cannot do it all by yourself. You need the cooperation of the civilian population. So that has to be an important part of your thinking and planning,” he said.
He said the government, on its part, was considering implementing social interventions at the border communities to win the hearts of the people against being susceptible to influence by violent extremists.
The President said this in Wa when he interacted with personnel of the security agencies in the Upper West Region as part of his working visit to the region.
He was in the region, to among other things, inspect progress of work on ongoing projects, commission completed projects, and to cut sod for the commencement of new projects in the region.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of the Interior, the Information Minister, Minister of Local Government, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, among others.
President Akufo-Addo also called for synergy between the security agencies in the discharge of their duties to achieve maximum results.
“We the civilian community have the luxury to be able to shut both eyes for a few hours every day, you don’t have the luxury even when you sleep one eye has to be opened because of the nature of your work.
“You must know the sacrifice you should have to make to be able to wear the uniform. The supreme sacrifice must always be before you and you have to put your life in the line of danger to protect others”, the President said.
He explained that the country was threatened by the activities of violent extremist groups in neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and urged the security agencies to double their efforts in safeguarding the country’s borders, especially in the northern part of the country.
“If we don’t have security, peace, and stability in our country there is nothing that we can do meaningfully.
