At graduation of 263 officers by GMA: President Mahama urges citizens to be security-conscious
President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and security-conscious, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of citizens, communities, traditional authorities, civil society and government.
He said evolving security threats in the sub-region, including terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime, demand a coordinated national response and cannot be left solely to the armed forces and other security agencies.
President Mahama made the call at the graduation parade of 263 officer cadets of Regular Career Course 64 and Short Service and Special Duties Intake 62 at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) in Accra on Friday.
He described the parade as a powerful demonstration of discipline, professionalism and excellence, noting that the precision, confidence and bearing of the cadets reflected months of rigorous training and personal sacrifice.
Touching on the security environment, President Mahama said the sub-region remained complicated and volatile, particularly along Ghana’s northern borders, while the rise of non-state actors and asymmetric warfare continued to reshape global security challenges.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to international peace support operations, noting that the country has participated in such missions since 1960 and remains among the leading troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
According to him, Ghanaian peacekeepers are currently serving in 15 missions worldwide under the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, earning international respect for their professionalism and discipline.
President Mahama assured that transparency, fairness and merit would continue to guide the selection of personnel for peace support operations and highlighted Ghana’s leadership in gender inclusion, stating that female participation in peacekeeping exceeds United Nations targets.
He said the Ghana Armed Forces have remained firm defenders of constitutional rule, civilian authority and democratic governance in a sub-region challenged by unconstitutional changes of government.
The President reiterated government’s resolve to combat illegal mining, describing the country’s natural resources as a sacred trust that has suffered severe degradation.
He said the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the declaration of forests and river bodies as security zones were yielding results, with permanent military bases established and offenders arrested and prosecuted.
He stressed that the fight against illegal mining would continue without fear or favour and called on Ghanaians to unite to protect the environment.
President Mahama further addressed conflicts in areas including Bawku, Bimbilla and Nkwanta, saying government has increased security presence, facilitated mediation among stakeholders, provided humanitarian assistance and initiated long-term interventions.
Addressing the graduating cadets, he urged them to uphold integrity, courage and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Various award categories were presented to the graduating cadets, with the Sword of Honour awarded to Senior Under Officer (SUO) Agyare Peter Selorm, who was adjudged the overall Best Officer Cadet of Regular Career Course 64.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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