President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the crucial role of collaboration between countries in the sub-region in dealing with the raging menace of terrorism.
He, has therefore, appealed to member states in the sub-region to forge closer collaboration to deal with the menace.
“No single country can confront the terrorist threat on its own, rather it will take collaborative effort among nations facing this challenge and critical support from the partners in dealing with it,” he said.
The President disclosed this at the inauguration of the 105 militarialised vehicles and other assisted measures donated to Ghana by the European Union (EU) at a ceremony in Accra on Saturday.
The vehicles included; 13 Land Cruiser Pickups, 10 GMC, 82 Toyota Land Cruisers and Single Cabin Pickups.
President Akufo-Addo said “The latest attempt by terrorists and extremists groups to expand their scope of influence from the Sahel to Coastal West Africa are obvious. These actions pose a substantial security risk for the people and stability of Ghana.”
He said recent occurrences in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo and Benin underscored the need for Ghana to enhance its counter-terrorism measures.
“It is imperative to understand that no single country can confront the terrorist threat on its own. Collaborative efforts amongst nations facing this challenge and critical support from partners such as the EU which shared our security concerns remain crucial in mitigating the terrorist threats in the West African region,” he emphasised.
President Akufo-Addo said with the contest of Ghana’s collective efforts, and the pooling of resources, the significant gesture of the EU in donating the 105 military vehicles was appreciated.
He said the vehicles would play a pivotal role in the country’s effort to fortify its frontiers against terrorism, adding that “Ghana is committed to utilising these resources including the militarised vehicles for the agreed purposes which includes securing our northern frontiers against terrorists in Ghana.”
President Akufo-Addo further stated that Ghana was ready to continue to collaborate with the EU to safeguard their mutual security interest, particularly in the sub-region.
On his part, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security, Mr Jesep Borrel Fontelles, said the partnership between the EU and Ghana had deep and strong roots based on shared values and common interest.
He said this partnership had evolved from a strictly developmental partnership to a more political one that was fit to face current global challenges such as climate change and the fight against terrorism.
Mr Fontelles noted that Ghana had a pivotal role in ensuring regional stability, adding that “As the seventh contributor to UN peace keeping operations and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Ghana has a growing role in support of international peace and security.
He said the spillover of insecurity from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea was not a risk anymore.
“It is sadly a reality. A reality that our partners cannot-and should not-face alone. We heard your call at the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) last month, when you requested more international solidarity to fight against conflict and violent extremism,” he said.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL & JULIUS PETETSI
