By Baba Mohammed Issahak
The Minister for Interior and National Security, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has wrapped up a three-day stakeholder engagement tour in the Northern Region, aimed at strengthening collaboration for peace and security across the country.
During his visit, Hon. Muntaka paid a courtesy call to the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John. The two leaders held a candid discussion on the current security challenges facing the region. Hon. Ali Adolf highlighted the pressing need for improved logistics, especially vehicles, to support security agencies on the ground. He also reaffirmed the Northern Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and socio-economic development.
“Peace is a shared responsibility,” Hon. Muntaka emphasized. “We must cherish the peace we enjoy and work together to preserve it.”
The Interior Minister also visited the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Naa Abukari II, to rally traditional support for the government’s peace-building efforts. The Ya-Naa, in response, pledged his full backing, noting the crucial role of traditional leadership in fostering harmony.
Addressing the media during the visit, Hon. Muntaka cited progress under his leadership, including a notable drop in the number of communities under curfew from 13 to 7. Despite this progress, he acknowledged that Ghana continues to face significant challenges, with more than 300 conflict-prone areas linked mainly to land and chieftaincy disputes.
To confront these issues, the Minister revealed plans to strengthen the National Peace Council and enhance the deployment of armoured vehicles, especially in northern Ghana, to reinforce security operations.
The minister stressed the importance of early conflict prevention and called on religious and traditional leaders to play a more active role in promoting dialogue, unity, and reconciliation at the grassroots level.
As part of his engagements, Hon. Muntaka met with representatives from the security services, religious institutions, and traditional authorities. He commended their efforts and urged continued collaboration. “Faith leaders have a unique influence in promoting values of forgiveness and peace,” he noted.
In a bid to enhance public safety nationwide, the Minister also announced upcoming measures to evacuate street beggars and prostitutes as part of broader security and social reforms.
