Security analyst Dr Victor Doke has urged the newly assigned Defence Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, to make security in Northern Ghana his immediate priority.

He stressed the need to strengthen border protection, improve intelligence capabilities and deepen collaboration among the country's security agencies.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Friday, August 7, Dr Doke said the minister's success would largely depend on his ability to equip the security services with the resources needed to combat emerging threats, particularly violent extremism along Ghana's northern frontier.

"Apart from what we've talked about with regards to the northern borders, enhancing capability and providing resources for the men in uniform to use is very important," he said.

According to him, adequately resourcing the security services would significantly improve intelligence gathering and strengthen efforts to counter violent extremist activities.

"Availability of resources would mean that you have success in intelligence gathering and in countering violent extremism," he stated.

Dr Doke also called for stronger coordination between the Defence Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the National Security Secretariat and other security institutions in tackling the country's internal security challenges.

He cited the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, as an example of the collaborative approach required, particularly in efforts to address the protracted conflict in Bawku.

"We know what the late Dr Omane Boamah did with regards to the Bawku crisis. Contributions of ideas and coordinating with other security agencies are very key," he said.

The security analyst noted that beyond being visible in office, the new minister must provide strategic leadership by offering practical ideas and ensuring that the security services are fully involved in implementing policies.

"As much as we want to see leaders working, we also want them to be proactive with the ideas and suggestions they bring. Carrying the security agencies along is very important," he said.

Dr Doke warned that without the confidence and support of the security services, efforts to improve national security could face significant setbacks.

"Whatever you do, if you don't have the backing of the security agencies, you are bound to have challenges," he added.

He maintained that while security concerns across the country require attention, protecting Ghana's northern frontier should remain the Defence Minister's foremost priority before shifting focus to challenges in other parts of the country.