The Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, says there is a need for international and regional cooperation in dealing with criminal issue related to terrorism, and designation of the relevant authorities to direct such cooperation.
He suggested that establishing strong cooperation agreements among member states would help facilitate requests for mutual legal assistance and extradition, which play an important part in the prosecution of cases transcending national borders.
According to him, cooperation was paramount, particularly at a time nations seek to readjust and realign themselves in respect of trade, development and economic growth, but was being drawn back by transnational organised crimes.
These crimes, he noted, also present a great challenge to the rule of law, economic and social development, and the protection of human rights and security.
“They undermine people’s quality of life, and threaten their human security by limiting access to employment and educational opportunities. They further directly affect the public financing capabilities of states, and can obstruct economic development through tax evasion,” he stressed.
Mr. Nitiwul made the suggestion at a two-day International Defence Conference and Exhibition held in Accra this week, under the theme: “Strengthening International Collaboration to Combat Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crimes.”
He added that the use of electronic surveillance, undercover operations, and informants has proven to be effective techniques that had assisted the investigative agencies to combat organised crime and transnational crimes were of great essence.
“We need to develop and strengthen legislation to criminalise the laundering of proceeds of crime, train officials and increase the ability to identify and interdict cross-border transportation of illegal cash or other negotiable instruments as a major step in stopping organised crime in the sub-region and the world at large,” he stated.
He opined that tackling insecurities in the sub region was of urgent importance to the Government of Ghana, because they hindered the continent’s economic development, include, public borrowing, trade deficit, military expenditure, low level of technological innovation, political turbulences and corruption.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, echoed the importance of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime in member states’ efforts to subdue crime.
He finds the Convention crucial to modern day security, as it propagated the need to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, smuggling of migrants by land, sea and illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, parts and components, and ammunition.
Vice Admiral indicated that the convention represents a major step in the fight against transnational organised crime and signifies the recognition of Member States of the seriousness of the problems posed by it, as well as the need to foster and enhance close international effort.
As a result, he said, the 2-day conference and exhibition presented opportune time for participants to discuss terrorism and transnational organised, crimes as well as initiatives to counter-terrorism and transnational organised crimes at an off-site location.
