The Commonwealth Africa office is set to organize its maiden Commonwealth Speaker Series on Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

The Speaker Series is to afford stakeholders and Commonwealth countries a common platform to discuss and find lasting solutions to teething challenges confronting Commonwealth countries.

The maiden series which will be held at the British Council at 16:00GMT is on the theme: “Securing our countries from terrorism and kidnapping- the Commonwealth approach.”

The National Security Ministry shall give an overview of the current security situation in Ghana in respect of the threat of terrorism and kidnapping after which a panel, comprising the police administration, High Commissioners of UK, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia or their reps, West Africa Network for Peace Building shall dissect the issues thoroughly by providing international dimensions to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

Officials of political parties, particularly the governing New Patriotic Party, the opposition National Democratic Congress, the Christian Council, the Muslim fraternity student leaders, civil society organizations, will be present to also give their perspective on the matter.

According to the Head of the Commonwealth Africa Office, John Apea, the rationale for the Commonwealth Speaker Series is for stakeholders, particularly reps of Commonwealth countries to explore the nuances, the causes, threats of the twin-security challenges- terrorism and kidnapping- and to deal and find solutions to them.

In the end a communiqué will be issued by the parties which shall be a document that will guide Commonwealth countries, particularly Ghana, in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

Explaining why the Commonwealth Africa Office decided to settle on the theme of security despite other pertinent issues affecting Commonwealth countries, John Apea said the threat of terrorism, as well as kidnapping, have, arguably been the most discussed topic within the media space.

For several months now, the kidnap of three Takoradi girls as well two Canadian interns in Ghana have captured many hearts.

With acts of terrorism being perpetrated in neighboring countries as well as Commonwealth countries, the need for Ghana to prepare and to conscientize citizens about terrorism is fundamental, Mr Apea stressed.

“Security encapsulates every area of our lives. If our security is threatened, our very culture is threatened. In fact, our ability to pursue our dreams and go about our daily activities, depend on security. If we can’t have security, our lives will be meaningless,” he added.

The CSS will look at other key developmental issues, including sanitation, youth unemployment in subsequent Speaker Series.

The CSS is in partnership with the Multimedia Group, the EIB Group and the Graphic Communications Group.