NCCE Holds National Dialogue to Commence Security-Awareness Campaign Project

Over the years, Ghana has been deemed one of Africa’s most stable democracies, following the successful transfer of power from one government to another. However, its geographic location in the sub-region, with proximity to the Sahelian countries, triggers the need for constant vigilance and alertness.

It is on the back of this that the National Commission for Civic Education, with support from ECOWAS Ghana, has organised a national dialogue to dissect issues that threaten the relative peace and stability we have enjoyed since the beginning of the Fourth Republic and the way forward. The National Dialogue is part of the key activities earmarked under the project titled “Consolidating Post-Election Security: Focus on Selected Southern Border and Coastal Communities”, which also served as the theme for the Dialogue.

The event convened an audience from various societal spheres, including the security services, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil and public servants, Civil Society Organisations, members of Civic Education Clubs (CECs) in tertiary and Second Cycle Institutions, socio-economic groups, among others.

In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission by the Deputy Chairman for General Services, Mr. Victor Brobbey, he mentioned that the NCCE has been engaging the populace in the northern areas of the country on the subject matter, and considers it equally relevant to extend the education to citizens in the southern communities of the country.

A spoken word performance by “The Mouthpiece”, a member of the CEC at the University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, which followed the address reinforced the security-awareness message, setting the tone for a pivotal segment of the event: a panel discussion.

Moderated by the renowned broadcaster and media personality, Kafui Dey, the three panels, namely Maj. Gen. Tim Ba-Taa Banah (PhD), Director for National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre (NCTFC), Victor Ama Asieduwaa, Esq., Principal State Attorney/Analyst Crime and Criminality, National Centre for Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism, and Dr. Mustapha Abdallah, Senior Research Fellow at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, espoused measures for continuous efforts to promote responsible citizenship and enhance effective collaboration between citizens and security institutions.

Subsequent to the panel discussion was an open forum which offered the audience an opportunity to contribute to the discussion and seek clarity from the panellists.

A statement was read in the stead of the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Maj. General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, highlighting the need to guard Ghana’s peace daily. Citizens were charged to lead community resilience, while the NACOC gave assurance to partner with traditional leaders, youth groups and other members of the community, as well as co-security services to strengthen trust among stakeholders. “The money is quick, but the prison time is long”, he opined.

Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations at the NCCE, Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, rounded up the conversations at the event in his closing remarks. He admonished the gathering, especially the youth, to stay alert and not fall prey to any luring strategies adopted by individuals who seek to destabilise the country. He further implored them to be ambassadors of the message, emphasising that the security of the nation is a shared responsibility.