Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for urgent and coordinated measures to address rising security threats in the West African subregion. Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security in Accra on Thursday, she stressed that challenges such as violent extremism, organised crime, and cyber threats now transcend national borders and demand collaborative action among nations.
“These challenges do not respect borders or policy mandates. Effective regional cooperation depends on timely information sharing and coordinated strategies,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said. She emphasised the importance of translating discussions into actionable policies and developing a robust framework capable of tackling the complex security landscape of today.
The Vice President further urged participants to provide guidance that enhances institutional coherence and accountability, noting that without clear roles and responsibilities, regional security initiatives risk being ineffective. She added that the ministerial outcomes from the meeting would help shape directives for heads of state, with both immediate and long-term implications.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reinforced these sentiments, highlighting the importance of balancing ambition with practical solutions. “Our diversity is our strength, but it must be anchored in shared commitments to regional stability,” he said. He cited alarming statistics showing that Sub-Saharan Africa now averages eight terror attacks daily and warned that failure to act could turn the region into a haven for failed states.
Minister Ablakwa also referenced the historical vision of Ghana’s founding leaders, calling for a revival of Pan-African ideals to transcend fragmentation and foster solidarity. He praised Vice President Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership and highlighted the need for sustained collaboration across governments, civil society, and regional organisations to protect citizens and build resilience in West Africa.
