Intelligence Bureau personnel trained in counter terrorism
Thirty-five personnel from the National Investigation Bureau Counterterrorism Directorate (NIB-CTD) have graduated after completing a six-week capacity-building programme in counterterrorism.
The programme was supported by the United States (US) Government and meant to bolster the knowledge of the beneficiaries in dealing with acts of terrorism.
At the graduation ceremony held in Accra yesterday, the personnel were presented with certificates, while the directorate was given 20 laptop computers and printers.
The training concludes the first-ever extended modular counterterrorism initiative for the NIB Counterterrorism Directorate.
The comprehensive programme, which was facilitated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) experts and international prosecutors, covered critical areas including counterterrorism investigations, operations and legal frameworks.
They were taken through counter terrorism investigation, intelligence operations, Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Report Writing and Documentation Standards, Investigating Terrorist Financing and Emerging Technologies, Legal framework for CT prosecution and Human Rights Compliance.
Tribute
The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Accra, Rolf A. Olson, said the event was not just a celebration of the knowledge and skills gained over the past six weeks; it was also a tribute to the strength of the security partnership between the United States and Ghana.
From terrorist plots to cyber fraud and drug trafficking, he said today’s threats were not confined by borders.
Mr Olson said Ghana and the US had built an impressive record of cooperation to address those shared security concerns and that “Our collaboration continues to be a model for the region.”
“In just the past few months, Ghana has successfully extradited several high-profile transnational criminals to face justice in the United States.
These actions, whether related to cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, or narcotics trafficking, demonstrate the Mahama administration’s principled commitment to the rule of law and its determination to ensure that no individual is beyond the reach of justice.
They also make both of our countries safer,” he said.
Cases
“Extradition cases are not always simple, but when both parties are committed to due process and timely actions, they can often be completed.
We remain steadfast in our support for Ghana’s efforts to hold all persons accountable under the law, regardless of status or office,” Mr Olson said.
The course and this graduation, he said, were part of a broader, long-term effort to empower Ghana’s security institutions to detect, disrupt and dismantle terrorism threats and that over the past several years, the US government, through the FBI, Department of Justice, and State Department, had delivered a suite of trainings covering counterterrorism law, intelligence operations, interview techniques, and courtroom evidence handling.
Professional growth
For his part, the Director-General of the NIB, Charles A. Kipo, said the training would ensure continuous professional growth, specialisation and alignment with the evolving needs of the bureau.
He said the training had significantly enhanced the capabilities of “our personnel, enabling us to better address the complex security challenges we face.
The equipment, he said, would undoubtedly bolster the NIB’s efforts to gather and analyse intelligence, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment for our citizens.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the Embassy staff for their tireless efforts in facilitating this support. Your dedication to fostering cooperation and collaboration between our agencies is truly commendable,” Mr Kipo said.
