President Nana Akufo-Addo has said that the government has accelerated the process of retooling and equipping security agencies in the country.

He acknowledged that the country's territory is safe and secure, but emphasised that West Africa is under the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that Ghana can no longer take its territorial integrity for granted.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, February 27, President Akufo-Addo stated that many of Ghana’s neighbours have already fallen victim, and lost large portions of their territories to extremist groups.

He stressed that Ghana is the only coastal state along the Gulf of Guinea that has so far not recorded a terrorist attack.  

“Mr Speaker, the peace and security we have in our country has not happened by chance. It has taken deliberate policy and planning on the part of the government, and a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of our security services to keep our country safe and secure. 

“I might add that it has also meant we have had to spend a lot of money that would otherwise have been available to spend on many of our development needs. But I believe we all agree that the primary responsibility of the state towards its citizens is to provide and guarantee peace and security, and we are doing just that,” he said.

The President said that since the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) came into office, they have ensured a significant expansion of the Ghana Armed Forces and all the other security agencies. 

“We are paying diligent attention to their welfare as well. The accommodation and physical environment generally of the security agencies are being improved. 

“We have quickened the pace of the retooling and equipping of the security agencies to ensure readiness towards the emerging security threats. For the majority of us and our everyday activities, it is the security of our streets and homes and communities that concern us most. 

"We want our children and grandchildren to grow up in a safe atmosphere, and the Ghana Police Service plays the lead role in this,"he said.

President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the government has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the Police Service, equipping them more effectively than ever before.

He highlighted the heightened visibility of the police on the streets, aiming to provide reassurance to the community.

“The changing image of the Police is, perhaps, best exemplified by the dramatic facelift they have given to the frontage of the Police Headquarters on the Ring Road in Accra.”