Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has charged security agencies in the region to strengthen collaboration to prevent any spillover of terrorist activities from the Sahel region and to bring internal conflicts under control. He said the region remained vulnerable to threats of violent extremism, cross-border crimes, and long-standing chieftaincy and land disputes, which continued to undermine peace and development.
Mr Akamugri made the call when he delivered an address at the 80th Remembrance Day Parade held at the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG) Cenotaph in Bolgatanga on Tuesday. The annual event honoured the sacrifices of Ghana’s fallen heroes and celebrated living veterans who served in various international and local peacekeeping missions.
The Regional Minister laid wreaths in honour of the country’s fallen heroes on behalf of the chiefs and people of the region. The Minister said maintaining peace and security required vigilance and cooperation among the security agencies to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of citizens, especially those along the country’s northern frontier.
“We do not have to take our peace and security for granted, particularly as our region grapples with numerous chieftaincy and land disputes and faces external threats of terrorism and violent extremism,” he said. “We are trusting you, our security agencies, to collaborate among yourselves to bolster our borders to prevent spillovers from neighbouring countries and to effectively bring our internal conflicts under control.”
Mr Akamugri commended the security personnel, particularly those deployed in Bawku and its environs, for their resilience in maintaining law and order under challenging circumstances. “It has not been easy maintaining peace, but your commitment and sacrifices are deeply appreciated,” he said. He paid tribute to the veterans who laid the foundation of the peace and security currently being enjoyed, urging the citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of Ghana’s veterans by upholding peace, unity, and discipline in their communities. “Our veterans have shown us the path of honour, discipline, and service. It is our duty to uphold their legacy by building communities on the ideals of peace, inclusivity, and prosperity for all,” Mr Akamugri.
The Minister said under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government remained committed to supporting the Veterans Administration Ghana to improve the welfare of ex-servicemen and women through enhanced healthcare, housing, and livelihood initiatives.
The event brought together veterans, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, heads of departments, and members of the public, who observed moments of silence and laid wreaths in honour of fallen heroes.