The National Security Ministry, on Thursday, January 13, sensitised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on the National Security Strategy document at the Naval Headquarters in Burma Camp, Accra.

The document launched in June 2021 by President Akufo-Addo enables stakeholders in the security sphere to deal effectively with existing and emerging threats to the country.

In a press statement signed by the Acting Director of Public Relations, Commander Andy La-Anyane, GAF noted the document is also in line with the nationally devised path towards a proactive and inclusive coordinated response to internal and external security and stability challenges.

In his remarks, the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said the strategy's vision is to maintain Ghana as a peaceful, tolerant, socially cohesive, secure and prosperous constitutional democracy.

He added that it consolidates all the policy initiatives on National Security Policy Framework with the ultimate
goal to mobilise and coordinate the efforts of all sectors of the society, especially GAF, to deal with security
threats in the country.

The Minister said armed robbery, chieftaincy disputes, piracy, terrorist activities outside the country; threats of
secession by certain groups and unemployment were on top of the list of security challenges bedevilling the
country.

He, therefore, urged GAF to put its utmost best to curb the challenges.

Mr Kan-Dapaah used the opportunity to reiterate government’s commitment to retooling GAF to deal with the challenges and promote security in the country.

Also speaking at the workshop was the Minister for Defence. Mr Dominic Nitiwul highlighted that the security sectors of Africa continue to face several facets of domestic challenges, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and gradual recession.

He noted that the country was faced with two major external issues; the Jihadist Movement and terrorist activities in the Northern part of Ghana and piracy at the Gulf of Guinea.

The Bimbilla MP stated that there was a pressing need to develop effective National Security Strategies.

He continued that combating these threats required real-time and national security policy with clear directions
to resolve them.

Mr Nitiwul was optimistic that the workshop would support Officers of GAF in the effective management of security, especially at the borders across the country, by curbing criminal and rebellious activities.

According to him, when implemented, the National Security Strategy will also optimise the effectiveness of the security and intelligence sector by improving the current system and structures.

On his part, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, said GAF remains the critical national asset within the National Security landscape which is well-positioned to play significant roles in achieving the security and defence objectives of the strategy.

He added that GAF is an essential pillar for promoting regional, continental and global interest using security and defence diplomacy.

The CDS assured that GAF is poised to carry out its mandate effectively as outlined in the National Security Strategy.

The Service Chiefs, National Coordinator of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Kotia and other Senior Officers were among the dignitaries in attendance.