The Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building has welcomed the reorganisation of the National Security Council Secretariat, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s intelligence and national security architecture.
The Centre congratulated the newly appointed officials, including Maj. Gen. William Ayamdo (Rtd.), who has been appointed Deputy National Security Coordinator responsible for Operations.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Adib Saani, the Centre said the restructuring should lead to stronger intelligence coordination, improved operational effectiveness, greater accountability and a stronger focus on preventing threats before they escalate.
Sahel spillover a major concern
The Centre identified the growing threat of violent extremism and possible terrorist spillover from the Sahel into Ghana as one of the most urgent issues requiring attention.
It said developments in Burkina Faso and across the wider Sahel region demand sustained intelligence gathering, stronger border surveillance and deeper cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The Centre also called for greater investment in the resilience of vulnerable communities in northern Ghana, arguing that community-level prevention must form part of Ghana’s national security strategy.
Chieftaincy and land conflicts
Beyond terrorism, the Jatikay Centre warned that unresolved chieftaincy, land and communal disputes remain significant internal security threats.
It said Ghana has hundreds of unresolved disputes, with several classified as high-risk conflicts capable of destabilising communities if not effectively managed.
Organised crime and illicit gold trade
The Centre further urged the new national security leadership to intensify efforts against organised crime, illicit financial flows, money laundering, illegal gold trading and cross-border criminal networks.
According to the Centre, these activities go beyond economic crimes, as proceeds generated from them can fuel corruption, strengthen criminal networks and contribute to broader national security threats.
Success should be measured by prevention
The Jatikay Centre said the success of the National Security Council Secretariat’s reorganisation should not be measured simply by changes in personnel.
Rather, it should be assessed by the security agencies’ ability to anticipate threats before they escalate, disrupt organised criminal networks, improve intelligence coordination and protect citizens while respecting the rule of law and human rights.
The Centre said it remains ready to contribute its research, expertise and civil-society perspectives to efforts aimed at strengthening Ghana’s human and national security.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
