Interior Minister and Minister Responsible for National Security Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has warned that government will no longer tolerate attacks on security personnel and facilities.
In his address at the commissioning of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) Eastern Regional Office in Koforidua, the Minister said force will be used against communities that attack security agents.
“We are not anymore going to tolerate communities that attack our security personnel and our security facilities. We will no longer tolerate that. And I send this signal and this announcement to all perpetrators who think because of our democracy and our resolve to get our security agencies to do the right thing, to take them for granted,” he said.
The Minister stated that more than four security officers are currently in hospital between life and death after being attacked while on duty.
“Just last week, as we speak, we have more than four of our security agencies who are lying in the hospital between life and death, simply because they’ve gone out to protect life and order. We are no longer going to do that. We will let the force of the forces come to bear on any community that think that they will attack our men and women and girls,” he said.
He emphasized that such attacks will no longer be tolerated under this government.
The Minister noted that the new Eastern Regional Office will use signal intelligence to fight crime in the region.
“In today’s world, criminals utilize digital tools, including mobile phone, the internet and various applications. Signal intelligence allows the nation’s security to lawfully intercept, analyze and interpret these digital communications,” he said.
He added that signal intelligence is a powerful tool for tracking criminals.
“It is a powerful tool that helps our security agencies to track the movement of kidnappers, dismantle networks of fraudsters, preempt armed robbery, and disrupt activities of transnational criminal organizations,” he stated.
The Minister said the office will play a role in supporting the 24-hour economy policy by ensuring a secure environment for round-the-clock business activities.
“This office will play a critical role in supporting the 24-hour economy policies by ensuring a secure environment for round-the-clock business activities,” he said.
He noted that the facility will strengthen coordination between security agencies by providing them with real-time actionable intelligence to improve emergency response.
“Strengthening coordination between security agencies by providing them with real-time actionable intelligence to improve emergency response. And this is where I add my voice to the other security agencies to work in effective collaboration. You cannot do it alone. Not even countries can today do it alone,” he stated.
The Minister urged all security agencies to utilize the facility to its fullest benefit.
“The police, the fire service, the prison service, the narcotics control and all the other agencies. Please, utilize this facility to its fullest and maximum benefit to our citizens by sharing intelligence, comparing news and be able to gather the necessary intelligence to be able to prevent threats before they materialize,” he said.
He emphasized that national security is a collaborative effort.
“National security is not a solo endeavor. It is a collaborative effort. This regional office will collaborate closely with the Ghana Police, the National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces and other security intelligence agencies in our ongoing effort to combat crime,” he stated.
The Minister noted that by sharing expertise and intelligence, security agencies create a unified shield against threats.
“By sharing expertise and intelligence, we create a unified, impenetrable shield against those who seek to harm our nation and its citizens,” he added.
He said the office serves as a key resource for the Eastern Regional Security Council.
“This office serves as a key resource for the Eastern Regional Security Council under the able leadership of the regional minister. The personnel and technology in this new office will provide the council with the data-driven insight needed to make informed decisions. Deploy resources efficiently and effectively achieve its core mandate of maintaining peace and security in every district of the Eastern Region,” he said.
The Minister stated that enhanced surveillance of public places and transport routes will deter and detect potential threats.
“Enhancing surveillance of public places, including transportation routes and other critical locations to deter potential threats,” he said.
He assured Ghanaians that the government will continue to invest in security infrastructure.
“Let me assure the people of Eastern Region and all Ghanaians that this government will not relent in its duty to protect life and property. This is just the beginning. We will continue to invest, innovate, and empower our security and intelligence agencies to keep Eastern Region and Ghana safe,” he stated.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
