In his opening and welcoming address, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister has called for a timely and robust framework against emerging threats of violent extremist’s groups, given the rising threats from the neighbouring countries.

The Minister noted that Ghana has been fortunate to have avoided direct terrorist attacks, but its vulnerabilities, such as proximity to countries affected by violent extremism and terrorism, and limited public awareness, makes it essential to strengthen its security framework.

The Regional Minister made the call during a stakeholder’s meeting organized by the National Counter Terrorism and Extremism Centre of the National Security

Council Secretariat with the support from Interpol in Sunyani to review the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET) launched in 2019 to prevent terrorism and minimize threats to Ghana and its interests.

He observed that it was imperative to continuously assess, redefine, evolve, and strengthen the security framework strategies to stay ahead of these emerging security challenges. “We must be proactive in strengthening our resilience, re-enforcing our security strategies and fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society, traditional authorities and the public”, he emphasized.

Lieutenant Colonel Kofi Akoto Appau, the Commanding Officer in-charge of the 3BN Liberation Barracks, Sunyani who chaired the review of the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET) held in Sunyani said the document was not new to a lot of people and therefore and affords National Security the opportunity to introduce it to the stakeholders.

The NAFPCVET document is a national policy document that serves as the blueprint for Ghana’s response to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism. It is subject to review in every two years to current trends and threats of violent extremism and terrorism.

Lieutenant Colonel Kofi Akoto Appau noted that the review is held on a regional basis because some regions have peculiarities when it comes to violent extremism and terrorism.

The review, he said, would enable stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the national framework in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism and to provide recommendations and the way forward.

He observed that the review have given stakeholders the opportunity to come together to share their expertise on the document to build cooperation and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional authorities and Academia Madam Dorothy Barnes, Women Peace and Security Project Officer who works with Foundation Security and Development in Africa in her remarks said that gender dynamics influence recruitment, radicalization and responses to extremism.

She noted that attention should be paid to especially women groups and how they can easily be influenced.

Madam Dorothy added that action should be taken to recognize the roles that they play in society so that they can be used to the advantage of National Security.

Nana Addai Munumkum Korang, Snuyani Tifihene of Sunyani Traditional Council who represented the Bono Regional House of Chiefs for the programme in his remarks said the chiefs at their regular meetings would sensitize their members on the prevention and countering violent extremism and terrorism to ensure they are security conscious.

He said when the need arises national Security Officials would be given an invitation to brief the House on trending and emerging issues of security concern.