Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called on West African countries to come together to tackle border security issues, stressing that border dangers are multinational and require a joint response from multiple countries.
Speaking at the West Africa Border Security Week Conference and Exhibition in Accra, the Deputy Minister highlighted that border security and migration management are no longer just national security concerns but have gained prominence in global political, economic and humanitarian discourse.
He noted that West Africa’s long, often porous land borders, expanding air travel networks and growing maritime traffic make it challenging to monitor and secure borders effectively, thereby allowing smugglers, traffickers, and criminal networks to operate across jurisdictions, adapting quickly to enforcement gaps and exploiting vulnerable populations.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that Ghana is taking firm action to address border security challenges. ‘The government has made border security a national priority within its broader security and development agenda. Initiatives include introducing electronic gates, Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record System, biometric passenger identification systems and enhanced screening tools’, he stated.
He added that Ghana is establishing modern command/fusion centres, equipping patrol units and redesigning border posts to align with international standards, adding that the government is also improving coastal surveillance, port security and coordination with naval operations.
Hon. Terlabi emphasized that collective action is necessary to dismantle networks that exploit borders and destabilise societies, therefore, by working together, West African countries can develop innovative responses to shared concerns and build trust across borders, ultimately creating a safer and more secure region.
He urged participants to use this opportunity to strengthen institutions, invest in technology, and build trust across borders. The West Africa Border Security Week Conference and Exhibition provides a critical platform for experts and practitioners to share knowledge, cooperate and develop solutions to address border security challenges.
Source: 3news.com
