In a recent address to the Fifth Legislature’s second Ordinary Session of 2023 in Abuja, Ghanaian lawmaker Laadi Ayamba highlighted the nation’s proactive steps to prevent the encroachment of terrorist and extremist groups.
The session, which took place on Tuesday, served as a platform for Ms. Ayamba to present Ghana’s annual report, emphasizing the significant threat terrorism poses not only to the state but to the entire West African region.
Ms. Ayamba pointed out the worsening security conditions in neighboring nations due to increased terrorist activities, which have prompted Ghana to elevate security as a top priority to maintain its sovereignty.
She elaborated on the enhanced intelligence collaboration with adjacent countries, aimed at thwarting the potential entry of terrorist operatives into Ghana. The government’s recognition of the factors contributing to terrorism and violent extremism has led to the initiation of projects in communities susceptible to radicalization.
The comprehensive report touched upon various issues, including the prohibition of child abuse, the fight against early and forced marriages, and the protection of freedoms such as expression and the press. It also covered political, security, human rights, and healthcare matters. Citing the 2023 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, the report revealed that Ghana’s ranking dropped slightly to 62nd among 180 countries, compared to its 60th position in 2022.
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The report acknowledged incidents of journalist attacks in Ghana, with ongoing investigations into some cases. A joint study conducted in 2023 by the University of Ghana and the Media Foundation for West Africa identified the military and police as primary aggressors in these assaults, with political party affiliates also implicated.
A notable incident was the May 3 attack on a Dagbon Radio host by a political party’s former regional deputy communications officer. Additionally, parliamentarians from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Togo presented their national reports, focusing on similar themes of politics, security, human rights, and health.