A security analyst and Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Professor Kwesi Aning challenged Rotarians to network with Ghana’s Parliament and other state Agencies in helping improve security in the country.
He was addressing Rotarians on the topic “Public safety and security in Ghana” at the 53rd Anniversary Annual Peace Talk of the Rotary Club of Accra-West. Eleven other clubs participated in the event, namely the Rotary Club’s of Accra-Airport, Accra Ridge, Accra Legon, Accra Dzorwulu, Accra Spintex, Accra Osu RE, Accra Adenta, Tema Meridian, Cape Coast Central and Tarkwa.
Professor Aning said the current political situation in West Africa puts Ghana at risk. He further explained that the current state of our borders made Ghana more vulnerable to any terrorist attack and thus advised all and sundry to be vigilant. He advised all Ghanaians to be conscious of their security and be agents for intelligence gathering.
He also warned that the security situation in the country will get worse before getting better. He commended the current Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service and called on the security agencies to be on the alert and ensure they step up their efforts in combatting crime in Ghana.
He explained that some of the challenges of security mechanism included lack of co-operation, political interferences, bureaucratic meddling amongst other concerns. He also called on government to strengthen the National Peace Council and enable them to be represented in all the regions of Ghana.
Finally, he admonished government to improve the unemployment situation in the country because the unemployed were susceptible to be easily recruited by various terrorist groups.
The President of the Rotary Club of Accra-West, Rtn Neyeram Kukula, in his closing remarks appreciated Prof. Aning for the insights shared and encouraged all Rotarians present to make a more concerted effort at addressing issues related to public security.
Rotary is a humanitarian organization where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.
Rotary club of Accra West was chartered on February 5, 1969 with 22 charter members. 53 years on, and now with a membership of 50, the Club has produced several distinguished Rotary leaders and executed several service projects across the length and breadth of the country.
These projects include providing maternal and child health care facilities and services, supporting basic education and literacy, providing potable water to deprived communities, promoting peace and conflict resolution to name a few. Their anniversary peace talks have featured several high-profile speakers including Prof. Akua Kuenyehia, Justice Professor Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu and Justice Emile Short.
