A 20-member delegation from the National Institute of Security Studies Executives Intelligence Management Course 18 from Nigeria visited the office of Ghana's Ministry of Defence, also known as The Square as part of their study tour to Ghana.

The visit was to acquaint themselves on the complex security threats and the various security challenges facing the country.

The head of the delegation, Mr Rafiu Bolarinwa Adekunle, Director of Research and Library Studies at the National Institute of Security Studies stated that their strategic study tour under the theme “Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa” was to leverage on the positive aspect of security to curtail the complex security threats Nigeria faces. He stated that at the end of the tour, the participants would make recommendations for government’s implementation.  

The Deputy Defence Minister, Ernest Brogya Genfi, who stood in for the Minister, together with the Chief Director and other senior management members of the Ministry, received the delegation, warmly welcomed them and acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Nigeria. He highlighted that the Ministry of Defence provides overall strategic direction on national defence matters.

According to him, the Ministry operates with other state security institutions and agencies to ensure peace and security in the country. He commended the Institute for their interest in regional security and stated that the strategic study tour would be impactful for all participants. 

In a presentation, the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) of the Ministry, Brigadier General Ben Gah, highlighted the security threats that confront the nation. He mentioned that Ghana’s northern borders are vulnerable to spillover effects from extremist groups operating in the Sahel Region. However, Ghana has not recorded any violent extremism.

Additionally, the PGSO stated some of the non-state security threats that hinder national security such as cyber-attacks, illegal mining (galamsey), maritime security, armed robbery, human trafficking and herdsmen menace. He emphasised various measures put in place to curb these security threats.