Boosting regional security: We must unite to fight terrorism- President Akufo-Addo to African nations
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on African nations to bolster regional mechanisms and enhance collaboration by sharing intelligence and best practices to create a safer and more secure continent.
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At the opening of the 2nd International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) in Accra on Wednesday , the President highlighted the interconnected nature of security threats across the continent such as terrorism and violent extremism, which often transcended national borders.
He also emphasised the risks posed by the digital revolution, including cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, financial systems and government institutions.
President Akufo-Addo stressed that no single African country could tackle these challenges alone and that regional cooperation was essential for effectively countering those threats.
The two-day event, hosted by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), gathered over 500 experts from military establishments, security agencies and international defence industry stakeholders to discuss key security issues and showcase technological solutions.
Held on the theme: “Enhancing Regional Mechanisms for Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges in Africa,” the conference aimed to strengthen international collaboration and address contemporary security challenges in Africa.
Accra Initiative
In his address, President Akufo Addo underscored the role of regional organisations such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in enhancing security across the continent.
He also highlighted the significance of the Accra Initiative, a cooperative security framework established by several West African countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin and Mali.
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The initiative, he said, represented a proactive and preventive approach to combating terrorism and transnational organised crime in the region.
President Akufo-Addo, however, expressed concern over the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the initiative to form the Alliance of Sahelian States, which, he said, had weakened the collective strength of the initiative.
“This move has undermined our collective security efforts as it has created gaps in regional coordination and intelligence sharing, which are crucial in our fight against terrorism and organised crime.
“The fragmentation of our alliance has only served to embolden terrorist groups and other criminal networks, thereby threatening the stability and security of the entire region. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on by reinforcing our commitments to the Initiative and ensuring that all member states remain actively engaged,” he said.
“Only through unity and cooperation can we effectively combat the threats facing our region and safeguard the peace and prosperity of our people,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Importance of the event
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong Peprah, also highlighted the critical role conferences such as IDEC played in the development of defence strategies.
He observed that in the current era, where military, Technological innovation and defence alliances were driving the conduct of warfare, such exhibitions and conferences were more important than ever.
He pointed out that artificial intelligence and advanced guidance technology were changing thenature of warfare globally.
The event, he said, provided an unparalleled platform for showcasing technological solutions and exchanging ideas essential for the defence of participating countries.
Lt Gen. Oppong Peprah concluded by expressing the hope that participants would leave IDEC 2024 with a renewed commitment to collectively address contemporary security challenges, supported by the latest technological solutions.
