The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has officially launched the “EU for a Secure Ghana” Project, a major security initiative designed to strengthen Ghana’s ability to prevent and respond to violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organised crime and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance national security and crime prevention in Ghana, while improving the capacity of relevant institutions to address emerging security threats.
The launch coincided with the opening of a two-day national training workshop on the revised United Nations Illicit Arms Flows Questionnaire (UNIAFQ).
The training programme is being organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA).
Ghana Strengthens Efforts Against Terrorism and Organised Crime
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Terlabi said the objectives of the EU for a Secure Ghana Project are closely aligned with Ghana’s national security priorities.
He noted that the initiative would support ongoing measures to prevent terrorism and violent extremism, combat transnational organised crime, and strengthen efforts to address the illegal movement and trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
According to the Deputy Minister, the project will focus on three major outcomes aimed at improving Ghana’s security and conflict-prevention capabilities.
The first objective is to strengthen the capacity of state institutions to prevent and respond to violent extremism and terrorism while ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights.
The second is to improve the ability of state institutions to tackle transnational organised crime, with particular attention to the trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
The third objective is to strengthen the role of civil society organisations, local communities and vulnerable groups in national security, peacebuilding and conflict-prevention initiatives.
Focus on Small Arms Trafficking and Community Security
The project is expected to contribute to Ghana’s efforts to address the security risks associated with the illegal circulation of firearms and other weapons.
Improving the collection and analysis of information on illicit arms flows is also expected to support national authorities in developing more effective strategies for preventing arms trafficking and organised crime.
The collaboration between the EU, UNODC and NACSA therefore places greater emphasis on institutional capacity building, international cooperation and community participation in Ghana’s efforts to maintain peace and security.
The EU for a Secure Ghana Project is expected to provide further support to Ghanaian institutions and stakeholders working to prevent terrorism, counter violent extremism, combat organised crime and strengthen national security.
Source: newsthemegh.com