The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to establish a National Early Warning and Response Centre in Ghana to warn the government of threats to human security, propose appropriate action and ensure monitoring of the implementation of response to the warning.
With national centres, ECOWAS member states can share information, implement conflict prevention, and manage crises, while protecting human security at the regional and national level.
Currently, a number of member states including Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast have Early Warning Centres which allow them to proactively identify emerging crises and improve their response mechanisms.
In an interview with Citi News, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Charles Owiredu said the establishment of the centre is crucial for every democratic country.
“The centre will help to coordinate and ensure monitoring and implementation…while optimizing information collection, quality analysis through the participative approach involving all relevant stakeholders. Among others, is the readiness for the establishment of an early warning and response mechanism which is very urgent and important for that matter,” he said.
He further noted that a taskforce will be set up to draft a plan for the creation of the centre.
“While anticipating the establishment of a centre for the coordination of early warning and response mechanism in Ghana, it is my ardent hope that the link between early warning signs early response is further strengthened for optimal outcomes. In the ensuing days, the Ministry will constitute a taskforce that will have representatives of key ministries to draft the instrument for the establishment of early warning mechanisms in the country,” he added.
Christian Council calls for synergy between churches and security agencies
Over the past few years, terror threats have been growing in the sub-region especially in neighbouring Burkina Faso.
As a result, the Christian Council of Ghana has called for more to be done by security institutions to curtail the continuous attacks on churches in the sub-region.
The Council fears the situation may get out of hand if it is not brought under control.
Speaking at a meeting with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Chairman of the Council, Most Reverend Dr. Kwabena Boafo said the church in Ghana is ready to cooperate with security agencies to safeguard congregations.
“We have many of our members living in fear in the wake of terrorist attacks on churches. We promise to work with security agencies in their bid to defend this nation against terrorist attacks and humbly request that they give us the necessary information and intelligence as and when needed to alert our members,” he said.
