A 20-member delegation from the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) in Nigeria has paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Ministry of Defence at The Square, as part of a strategic study tour aimed at deepening their understanding of regional security challenges.
The delegation, drawn from participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18, was led by Mr. Rafiu Bolarinwa Adekunle, Director of Research and Library Studies at the Institute. He explained that the tour, themed “Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa,” is designed to help Nigeria identify effective approaches to countering complex security threats.
Mr. Adekunle noted that insights from the study would be compiled into actionable recommendations for implementation by the Nigerian government.
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi, received the delegation on behalf of the Minister, alongside the Chief Director and other senior officials. He warmly welcomed the team and acknowledged the longstanding Ghana-Nigeria relationship, highlighting Ghana’s commitment to regional peace and security.
Hon. Brogya Genfi explained that the Ministry of Defence provides strategic direction on defence matters and works collaboratively with other national security institutions to maintain peace and stability. He commended the NISS for focusing their study on regional security dynamics and expressed confidence that the tour would benefit both countries.
During a briefing session, Brigadier General Ben Gah, Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) at the Ministry, presented an overview of Ghana’s current security landscape. He pointed out that Ghana’s northern borders remain vulnerable to the spillover effects of extremist activities in the Sahel Region, although no incidents of violent extremism have been recorded in the country to date.
He also outlined several non-state security threats including cyber-attacks, illegal mining (galamsey), maritime insecurity, armed robbery, human trafficking, and herdsmen activities. Brigadier General Gah noted that the government has instituted various countermeasures to address these challenges.
The visit reflects growing cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria in tackling common security concerns across West Africa.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
