Vice President Calls for Unified West African Defence

The Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called for more effective preventive, intelligence, and collaborative strategies to address the mounting security concerns in the West African Sub Region.

Speaking on Thursday at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra, she emphasised that the gathering demonstrates a collective commitment to address the most pressing issues facing the region.

The Vice President highlighted the evolving security landscape, marked by intercontinental threats such as violent extremism, organised crime, and cyber threats.

“These challenges do not respect borders or policy mandates,Effective regional cooperation depends on timely information sharing,” she warned, calling for foresight and coordination among nations.

She urged participants to provide actionable guidance that enhances regional security, emphasising that discussions must translate analysis into concrete policy directions and advocating for a robust framework capable of addressing the complexities of today’s challenges.

Prof. Opoku –Agyemang reiterated that sustained progress relies on ownership and institutional coherence, stating that without clear roles and responsibilities, efforts remain aspirational.

She said the ministerial outcomes from the meeting will play a crucial role in shaping future directives from heads of state, and the clarity of the conclusions will have both immediate and lasting significance.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Smauel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that these sentiments highlight the significance of striking a balance between aspiration and practicality while developing solutions.  

“Our diversity is our strength, but it must be anchored in shared commitments to regional stability,” he added.

He referenced the historical vision of Ghana’s founding leaders, urging a revival of the spirit of Pan-Africanism. “Our continent must transcend fragmentation and embrace solidarity,” he said.

The minister outlined pressing issues such as violent extremism, organised crime, and climate stress, and warned that these challenges do not respect borders and require unified responses.

He provided alarming statistics, revealing that Sub-Saharan Africa now faces an average of eight terror attacks daily. “If we fail to act, our region risks becoming a haven for failed states,” he cautioned, referencing a recent attack that served as a stark reminder of the threats at hand.

Mr Ablakwa commended the Vice President for her leadership and reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a resilient future for West Africa.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD