Mahama Ayariga urges MMDCEs to strengthen local security early warning systems

Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to bolster early warning systems and promptly report security threats before they escalate into crises. MMDCEs, as leaders of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Security Councils, are key to identifying potential threats and providing timely intelligence to regional and national security authorities.

This advice came during an intensive training program for the Greater Accra Regional Security Council and MMDCEs, aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026 (Act 1168). Ayariga emphasized that Greater Accra, often referred to as the "heartbeat of the nation," plays a crucial role in national stability and that secure conditions in this region have a significant impact on the entire country.

He highlighted the Act's goal of modernizing national security and establishing clearer structures for coordination between national, regional, and local levels. Ayariga stressed the importance of MMDCEs in this endeavor, noting that their local security councils are pivotal in maintaining peace and security. He urged them to be vigilant against issues such as communal disputes, cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities that could jeopardize peace and security.

He called for enhanced collaboration among MMDCEs, the Regional Security Council, and national security agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the new security and intelligence framework. Meanwhile, the Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mubarak, warned security personnel against abusing their positions by misusing sensitive information, which can undermine national security and harm Ghana's international relations.

Mubarak pointed out that when such breaches occur through insider misconduct, they are often wrongly blamed on government officials, demonstrating a need for a cultural shift towards professionalism and confidentiality. He also highlighted the challenges posed by outdated security guidelines that may not adequately address modern urban security issues, and expressed confidence that the new legislation would provide a more effective framework for local security management.