The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Israel to Ghana, Mr Aveil Avraham, has urged the Ghanaian security sector to explore security solutions available in Israel to boost the country’s security efficiency.
According to him, the security system in Israel was very advanced, hence effective collaboration among both countries would help create a safer and resilient environment on the continent.
Mr Aveli gave the advice at the Next-Gen Security Solutions breakfast meeting in Accra yesterday organised by the Israeli Economic and Trade Mission to Ghana in collaboration with the Association of Private Security Organisations of Ghana (APSOG).
It was on the theme, “Bridging Technology and Expertise between Ghana and Israel”.
“Israel’s commitment to homeland security is rooted in a proactive approach. Its intelligence network has allowed the country to pre-empt threats and neutralise them before they reach its citizens,” he said.
Mr Aveli, therefore, urged the security services in Ghana to focus on civil defense, public safety and the involvement of citizens in security operations to build resilience in the service.
He said the sector, therefore, needed an infusion of innovation and sustained engagement to make working in the security sector easier.
Mr Aveli expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between Ghana and Israel adding that sharing knowledge and expertise could strengthen the security framework of both countries.
“While the geopolitical realities of Ghana and Israel are distinct, there are critical lessons we can learn from each other and this is the reason the embassy continues to work with the right partners in Ghana to promote homeland security,” he said.
For his part, the Chairman of APSOG, Mr Ibrahim Abdul-Rahman Usunaba, emphasised the need for the private security sector to collaborate with public security sector to improve on the security system in the country.
The Chairman noted that the private security industry in Ghana had grown significantly over the past 35 years, with over 125,000 workers and 273 private security companies operating in the country.
However, he acknowledged that some companies were still using outdated methods and technologies, and that there was a need for the industry to adapt to new technologies.
“I’m sure by introducing some of these technologies into our security landscapes in Ghana, it’s going to add more value to our industry,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for a new legislative instrument (L.I.) to regulate the private security industry in Ghana, citing the current L.I. as outdated and inadequate.
On the issue of preparedness for the upcoming elections, Mr Usunaba assured that the private security industry was working closely with the police and other security agencies to ensure a safe and secured environment for citizens during the elections.
Mr Usunaba expressed confidence that the private security industry, in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, was well-prepared to ensure a safe and secured environment for citizens come December 7.
BY AGNES OWUSU
