The Minister of the Interior has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s peace, emphasising that sustainable national development can only flourish within a secure environment.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bono Regional Command of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) in Sunyani, the Minister, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, said the government has renewed its focus on strengthening national security through the provision of critical infrastructure at strategic locations across the country.

The Sunyani facility is the third NSB regional command to be commissioned, following those in Ho and Koforidua, with Techiman also ready for commissioning.

Addressing chiefs, residents, security officials, ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries, the Minister assured the people of the region of their safety and underscored the government’s determination to build a comprehensive and responsive security architecture under the leadership of President John Mahama.

According to him, the establishment of the command brings security services closer to communities, enabling more integrated, intelligence-driven and effective responses. He noted that key locations in the region, including markets, prisons, schools, major roads and government installations, are now under enhanced security coverage.

“We are not here to spy on you; we are here to protect you,” he assured residents. “We need to understand what is happening in your communities and on the streets so we can prevent those who plan evil from carrying it out.”

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak urged other security agencies to make efficient use of the facility to improve their day-to-day operations within the region.

“As a country, we can only develop in a peaceful environment, and this command is part of the government’s commitment to providing the framework needed to secure the peace required for this region’s development,” he said.

He further encouraged residents to support and embrace security personnel in their efforts to safeguard peace in the region.

While commending the Director-General of the NSB and his team, the Minister reminded officers of their responsibility to operate with professionalism, integrity and discretion.

“Do not use this to intimidate people, extort money or misbehave,” he warned, adding that any misconduct would attract severe sanctions, including dismissal, regardless of the training received.

The National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul Razak Osman, noted that although Ghana remains peaceful, constant vigilance is required due to the complex nature of modern security threats.

“They are technology-driven and often invisible,” he said, stressing that intelligence and early warning systems are therefore central to effective national security.

He explained that the Bono Region is strategically significant as a major commercial and transport hub linking southern Ghana to the middle belt, and faces security challenges such as illegal mining, cross-regional crime, cyber fraud, land disputes and arms proliferation.

“The role of the NSB regional command centre, therefore, is to bring intelligence capabilities closer to the region, strengthen early warning systems, enhance threat detection and provide real-time intelligence support,” he stated.

On his part, the Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Dr George Atta Boateng, said the region’s status as a strategic economic and transit zone — with its agricultural value chains, commercial centres, digital infrastructure and growing urban communities — requires intelligence systems that are locally anchored, responsive and technologically capable.

He reaffirmed the NSB’s resolve to proactively neutralise digital and cyber-enabled threats before they materialise, ensure public safety, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and, at all times, respect and protect the rights and freedoms of residents.

The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, expressed the region’s appreciation to the government for prioritising peace and security, and assured authorities of the chiefs’ full support to ensure the success of the initiative.

He also urged residents to take advantage of the government’s six-week amnesty to surrender unregistered firearms.

The amnesty, which ends on 15 January 2026, provides a safe window for citizens to hand over unregistered or illegally held firearms without fear of prosecution.