CDS calls for more collaboration among security services

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has called for enhanced collaboration among the various security services to enable them to effectively achieve their mandates. 

Highlighting the complex and evolving nature of modern security threats, he emphasised that addressing those challenges was not the responsibility of a single agency but required a collective effort.

He, therefore, urged the various security agencies to synergise their capabilities and resources to better safeguard the nation.

The CDS said this when he, together with some members of the military high command, paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Julie Essiam, in Accra yesterday.

The visit, which was the first of its kind, was aimed at familiarising the CDS and his team with the operations of the GRA, and to explore potential areas for collaboration.

“As we are here, it is imperative that we take advantage of your experiences to learn and find out how we can improve in the provision of security at our borders

We look forward to strengthening our relationships and we believe that together we can make Ghana very safe,” Lt Gen. Oppong-Peprah said.

Touching on the upcoming general election, he said although GAF was not involved in security on that occasion, its doors were open to any agency that needed any security advice and other forms of assistance.

Shared commitment

Ms Essiam welcomed the visit, describing it as a testament to the strong bond of friendship between GRA and GAF, as well as their shared commitment to national security.

She praised the military’s professionalism, discipline and dedication under the leadership of Lt Gen. Oppong-Pepprah, which had ensured the security of the nation’s borders and the maintenance of peace.

Ms Essiam emphasised that the work of GRA complemented GAF's efforts, as both institutions contributed to economic stability and national defence.

She highlighted ongoing strategic partnerships between GRA and GAF to combat smuggling, and that the collaboration between the two institutions had been instrumental in mobilising revenue for national development.

Revenue Target

In spite of the challenges posed by the economic environment, Ms Essiam noted that GRA had consistently surpassed revenue targets through hard work, innovation and the dedication of staff.

She expressed the hope that the authority would once again exceed expectations this year, with all divisions working seamlessly towards the nation's development.

“For this year, we are once again so committed to going beyond our expectations with every team working tirelessly and seamlessly to ensure that we meet the revenue target,” Ms Essiam said.