Issuu

Republic of Ghana

University of Ghana

Lex Mundus & Cencla PRUC

Unpacking the National Security Strategy of Ghana AN INTRODUCTORY LECTURE

DR. OSEI BONSU DICKSON (ESQ.) Director, Policy, Ministry of National Security

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY of the Republic of Ghana

Dr. Osei Bonsu Dickson was part of the team of experts who drafted Ghana’s National Security Strategy from 2017 - 2020. He is an expert in national security law and policy, international cyber law and maritime strategy in the Gulf of Guinea. He serves as Director of Policy at Ministry of National Security.

Previous to that he served as Director, Legal; Director, Security Governance and Director of Intelligence Analysis. He is an Adjunct faculty member at the University of Ghana School of Law. Aside work on the NSS, he led the team of experts who drafted the National Integrated Maritime Strategy and the National Border Security Strategy. Dr. Dickson was educated at the University of Ghana, Harvard University, Ghana School of Law and Rushford Business School. +233 (0) 241022964 obdickson@gmail.com

Basic Features of the NSS Features

99 - Paged Document 5 Chapters 2 Appendices/Annexures

Signed by H.E. President of Ghana Guiding Principles Strategic Goal Strategic Context - National, Regional, and Global Threat Coverage & 3-tier Response Roles, Responsibilities and Task Matrix Unclassified Document

Republic of Ghana

University of Ghana

OVERVIEW CHAPTER 1: Strategic Context - Overview of the NSS CHAPTER 2: Domestic, Regional and Global Threats CHAPTER 3: Strategic Responses and Protection of Ghana CHAPTER 4: Safeguarding National Cohesion for Peace and Stability CHAPTER 5: Implementation and Monitoring of the NSS ANNEX A: B:

Roles and Responsibilities of Ministries Task Matrix

Chapter 1. The Strategic Context

Primary Aim: To consolidate Ghana fragmentary polices on national security into one

integrated and comprehensive national security policy framework (Pg ix) Strategic Objective:

(a) Preservation of National Sovereignty, (b) Promote Sustainable Development (c) National Cohesion for Peace, Security and Stability (d) Enhanced Regional, Continental & Global Cooperation

Strategic Context: (a) Based on the Domestic Security Landscape

(b) Regional and Global Security Landscape.

Strategic Context DOMESTIC, REGIONAL & GLOBAL SECURITY LANDSCAPE

Domestic Environment itself is a source of a number of threats to National security and stability.The nature and characteristics of GH society, demographic diversity, ethnicity, languages, cultural values, belief systems, lack of a national youth orientation program, socio-political history and economy are all factors that tend to pose challenges to GH

national security and stability. Regional & Global Environment itself is a source of a number of threats to National security and stability. At the regional level, there are social, political and security tensions/challenges with neighboring countries as well as opportunities for cooperation on regional peace and stability. At the global level, there are challenges and opportunities for ensuring peace, national security, stability and development within the context of a rule-based globalized world.

• Strategic End-state: The desired end-state of the strategy is to achieve a situation in which Ghana mobilizes and coordinates efforts from all sectors of the Ghanaian society to respond to security threats, risks and challenges confronting the country, to ensure national stability and socio-economic development. • Vision Statement: Our vision is to maintain Ghana as a law-abiding, tolerant, socially cohesive, peace loving, people-centred, secure and prosperous constitutional democracy, capable of protecting our people, culture and values while positioning the country to play an influential role at regional, continental and global levels • Mission Statement: Our mission is to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-ofsociety approach, and adopt a blend of human and traditional security to guarantee national security and stability by promoting tolerance, national cohesion and unity of purpose so as to facilitate sustainable development, prosperity and well-being in cooperation with partners at regional, continental and global levels.

Guiding Principles of the NSS People-Centred Security: Adopt a people-centric human security approach to national security in line with Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution which states that “The Sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised in the manner and within the limits laid down in this Constitution.” Good Governance and Social Cohesion: Promote a culture of good governance that builds trust between government and the citizenry and enhances social cohesion, a sense of common national purpose and active participation by the citizenry in governance.

Prevention: Ensure early identification of the drivers of insecurity and deploy pre-emptive action to curtail threats and build adequate resilience to reduce vulnerability in case of surprise. Inclusive Approach: Adopt a cross-sectoral approach, involve the security and intelligence community, MDAs, private sector, and civil society organizations on a need to share basis.

Guiding Principles of the NSS Respect for Human Rights and Rule of Law: Respect of rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms and the provisions of the 1992 Constitution. Gender-Mainstreaming: In line with Ghana’s commitment to meet the requirements for UN Security Council Resolution 1325, mainstream gender into all facets of the formulation and implementation of the strategy.

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Unpacking the National Security Strategy of Ghana Chapter 2

Chapter 2. Domestic, Regional and Global Threats

• The domestic threats, risks and challenges to Ghana are intertwined with other regional and global security threats and they are mutually reinforcing in their impact. • The threats, opportunities and challenges to national security are considered under 3 clusters: domestic, regional and global. The responses are similarly also treated under 3

tiers on the basis of their probability of occurrence and degree of impact. a) Domestic Threats, Risks and Challenges i.

Civil Conflicts

ii.

Party Political Violence

iii.

Party Political Violence

iv. Cyberspace Threats and Risks

Security Threats and Risks to the Economy

vi. Disruption of Critical National Infrastructure vii. Armed Banditry and Kidnapping viii. Youth Bulge, Unemployment and Poverty ix. Energy Threats

Governance Deficit

xi. Bribery and Corruption xii. Ecological and Environmental Hazards xiii. Health Threats

xiv. Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons xv. Fake News and Hate Speech xvi. Natural Disasters

b) Regional Threats and Risks i.

Transnational Organised Crime

ii.

Border Security Challenges

iii.

Violent Extremism and Terrorism

iv. Maritime Security v.

Humanitarian Issues

vi. Implications of Sub-Regional and Continental Legal Instruments and Protocols c) Global Threats and Risks i.

International Geopolitics and Fluctuations in the Global Economy

ii.

Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

iii.

Global Terrorism

iv. Climate Security v.

Espionage

vi. Unwanted Interference and Influence by State-Sponsored Actors

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Unpacking the National Security Strategy of Ghana Chapter 3

Strategic Responses and Protection of Ghana

The primary national security interest of Ghana is the promotion of the security, safety and wellbeing of her people, the preservation of its sovereignty, and defense of its territorial integrity. Traditionally national security have been generally viewed from the perspective of external and internal threats. Under that categorization, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has had the constitutional responsibility of defending the country against external aggression while the Ghana Police Service has had the responsibility of providing internal security. Now the threats and risks to our contemporary national security are considered under the following themes/clusters: • Security, Safety and Health; • Economy; • Environment; • Governance; and • Socio-Cultural matters.

STRATEGIC RESPONSES AND PROTECTION OF GHANA (CONT’D) The likelihood of incidence, including frequency and duration, and the impact on incidence of a threat are the primary inputs for prioritizing our response. This informs the four-tier categorization of our threats, risks and responses in this NSS.

Threats and Risk Probability – Impact Matrix. The NSS considers our response effort using probability and degree of impact or opportunity. Table 3.1 : Probability-Impact Matrix Schematic Probability/Impact

High Impact

Low Impact

High Probability

Tier 1 Top Priority; Active Response

Tier 3 Medium Priority, Regular Review

Low Probability

Tier 2 Constant Monitoring & Building of Resilience

Tier 4 Low Priority, Periodic Review

Strategic Responses and Protection Of Ghana (Cont’d)

• Tier 1: Clear and present threats and opportunities requiring highest priority attention and active response. • Tier 2: Major but potential or imminent threats and opportunities requiring constant monitoring, effective early warning systems and the strengthening of resilience mechanisms. • Tier 3: Persistent but relatively low-impact risks unlikely to pose an existential threat in the immediate period and requiring short interval periodic review. • Tier 4: Potential risks that are currently considered as less probable and with less opportunity and potential to inflict harm. They require monitoring and periodic review.

Strategic Responses and Protection Of Ghana (Cont’d) Table 3.2: Probability-Impact Matrix Probability/Impact

High Impact

Low Impact

High Probability

Tier 1: Clear and Present Threats and Risks • Internal Conflict • Violent Extremism &Terrorism • Seasonal Floods and Fires • Health Care Delivery Pandemics • Maritime Security and Piracy • Management of National Economy • Fluctuations in the Global Economy • Sustainable Energy Supply • Corruption • Integrity of Cyberspace • Espionage • Youth Employment • Sanitation

Tier 3: Persistent Threats and Risks • • • • • •

Defence of Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity Sub-regional and Continental Security Protocols Regional Instability Humanitarian Catastrophe Migration Challenges Border Security Challenges

STRATEGIC RESPONSES AND PROTECTION OF GHANA (CONT’D) Probability/Impact

High Impact

Low Impact

Low Probability

Tier 2: Major Potential Threats and Risks • Governance Challenges • Sustainable Food Security • Transnational Organised Crime • Climate Change -Long term • Natural Disasters Earthquake, Drought • Ecological and Environmental Hazards • Drastic Demographic Change • Arms Proliferation • Appropriate Education System • Labour Upheavals • Aviation Security Breach/ Incident

Tier 4: Other Potential Threats and Risks • • •

Other Global Uncertainties Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Global Security Issues

STRATEGIC RESPONSES AND PROTECTION OF GHANA (CONT’D)

Response and Resilience to Threats and Risks a) Tier One Responses i.

Strengthening Capability of Intelligence Agencies

ii.

Strengthening the Internal Security Capability of Ghana

iii.

Building a Robust Economy for the Development of Ghana

iv. Preventing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation of Vulnerable Groups

Health Security

vi. Enhancing Cyber Security vii. Strengthening Maritime Security

viii. Building a Strong Energy Sector

STRATEGIC RESPONSES AND PROTECTION OF GHANA (CONT’D)

ix. Strategies to Improve Food Security x. Addressing Labor Security b) Tier Two Responses i.

Early Warning and Response System

ii.

Reducing Vulnerabilities of Critical National Infrastructure

iii.

Safeguarding the National Land Borders of Ghana

iv.

Reducing the Vulnerability of Inland Transport System

Environment Security

vi.

Rethinking Education Security

vii. Aviation Security and Airspace Management viii. Research in Science and Technology

STRATEGIC RESPONSES AND PROTECTION OF GHANA (CONT’D)

c) Tier Three and Four Responses i.

Defense of the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ghana

ii.

Foreign Policy of Ghana

iii.

Participating in International Peace Operations

iv. Diaspora Engagements v.

Development Cooperation

vi. Security and Defense Engagements vii. Partnership with International Governmental Organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS, Accra Initiative)

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Unpacking the National Security Strategy of Ghana Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4. SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY

Historically, Ghana has experienced some sectarian violence and conflicts in various parts of the country. Chieftaincy disputes, Inter-ethnic clashes, land disputes, religious, political and electoral violence have been some of the root causes of these violent conflicts. The NSS seeks to build national cohesion, establish trust between government and citizenry, build a national purpose of peaceful co-existence and security across the Ghanaian polity. Cooperation and partnership with independent constitutional and statutory bodies, CSOs, political institutions, women, youth groups, traditional authorities and faith based organizations on human security policy formulation and implementation is crucial . It is vital to attain whole-of society support for national unity, cohesion, peace and security under this NSS. a) Conflict Prevention and Peace Building - As part of measures to promote national unity, national cohesion and peaceful co-existence, Government shall strengthen the already existing capacity of the security, intelligence and emergency services for early detection of the drivers of violence. A pre-emptive and preventative approach is to be adopted to avoid the outbreak of violent conflicts in our communities.

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D) b) Promote Religious Tolerance The provisions of the 1992 Constitution prohibit religious discrimination and provides for individual freedom to profess and practice one’s religion of choice. The right of worship in a religion of one’s choice is a highly placed non-discrimination value that upholds tolerance and social diversity.

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D)

c) Gender, Women and National Security The security, stability and prosperity of Ghana relies on mainstreaming gender at all levels of our national endeavour. Government will reinforce gender mainstreaming as a public policy

for assessing the different implications for people of different genders with regard to all planned policy action, including legislation and programmes in all areas and levels in the country. Legal and statutory provisions will be made for women and youth representation in REGSECs, METROSECs, MUSECs, DISECs as well as Regional and District Peace

Councils.

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D)

d) Youth, Peace and Security Current estimates indicate that 70% Ghana’s population is under 40 years and 57% is under 25 years. A National Youth Leadership Development Strategy (NYLDS) needs to be developed and its programmes integrated into our educational system. These programmes will cover civic education, skills and leadership training and will be implemented at all levels of our educational system. From Junior High School through to tertiary levels, cadet corps are to be established to focus on building the value of discipline and endurance in our youth. The Ministry of Education and the National Youth Authority are to collaborate in the development of this strategy. Ghana is

committed to the implementation of the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) to enable its youth participate in decisions that affect them. This will build mutual trust between Government and the youth.

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D) e) Security and Preservation of Ghana’s Political System The security and preservation of Ghana’s political system is a critical national interest the undermining of which could lead to social disruption. Building confidence and trust in our political system ensures national stability. The following measures are to be adopted to ensure national stability: i.

Develop and implement policies that enhance confidence in multi-party democracy;

ii.

Pursue policies that promote inclusiveness, national unity, common sense of purpose and social-cohesion by ensuring that the diversity of the Ghanaian society is always respected without discrimination or marginalization;

iii.

Promote good governance based on the respect for the rule and due process of law, equal rights and opportunity, transparency and accountability;

iv.

Resource NCCE to intensify public education on national interests and priority national security objectives;

Engage the leadership of political parties periodically, to brief them on our national security issues and the role they are to play to ensure national security and safety;

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D) e) Partnership with Institution The collaboration and partnership with various independent constitutional institutions, statutory bodies and civil society organizations is paramount for the safeguarding of the national cohesion and the stability of Ghana. i. Council of State

• Role: Advising the President on critical matters. • Responsibilities: Promoting national unity, collaborating with entities, advising on national security. ii. Parliament of Ghana • Role: Oversight responsibility for national security. • Responsibilities: Reviewing laws, ensuring accountability, participating in conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. iii. Houses of Chiefs • Role: Providing leadership and traditional justice. • Responsibilities: Resolving conflicts, cooperating with government, inspiring respect for law and order, contributing to social cohesion iv. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) • Role: Addressing civil society concerns and promoting peace. • Responsibilities: Engaging with authorities, participating in conflict prevention, resolution, and reconstruction, bridging government and civil society.

SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL COHESION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY (CONT’D)

v. National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) • Role: Educating Ghanaians on civic issues. • Responsibilities: Increasing citizens' awareness, promoting active citizenship, collaborating for effective civic education. vi. Media • Role: Informing and shaping public perceptions. • Responsibilities: Creating awareness on unity and stability, promoting professionalism, disseminating government policies, playing a positive role during crises.

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Unpacking the National Security Strategy of Ghana Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY a) Lead Government Agency The NSC shall provide strategic direction for the implementation of the NSS. The Minister for National Security shall be responsible for the day to day implementation of the NSS. MNS will thus serve as lead Ministry for the implementation of the Strategy. The Minister shall, coordinate implementation and issue from

time to time, notices and coordinating instructions for its successful implementation. b) Coordination and Cooperation There shall be established at the Ministry of National Security, a NSS Implementation Committee. The Committee shall be chaired by the Minister for National Security. Members of the committee shall include the NSS desk officers from the MDAs, Security and Intelligence Services and other state agencies. c) Crisis Response The Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) at the MNS chaired by the National Security Coordinator, provides

routine intelligence assessments.. The MNS shall establish a Joint National Operations Centre to serve as an integrated Fusion Centre under the control and direction of the National Security Coordinator.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY (CONT’D) d) Critical Thinking Group

The MNS shall establish a Critical Thinking Group of Ghanaian experts in Security and Intelligence, Development Planning and other fields relevant to the maintenance of national stability and the prevention of a social disruption. The group shall establish a network to deliberate on issues of concern raised by the Minister and make recommendations to him on the matter. e) Joint Units Establish at the national level, committees of the NSC to address national security issues as follows: Ministerial Security Coordinating Committee; Joint Intelligence Committee Centre; Vetting Service f) Budgeting and Funding Specific budgetary provisions are to be made by MDAs, MMDAs, Security and Intelligence Agencies for the allocation of funds in the National Budget for the implementation of the NSS. These budgetary provisions are to be in accordance with the roles, tasks and responsibilities assigned in the NSS or its implementation plan and shall be coordinated by the Ministry of National Security to ensure consolidation and harmony. A Security Fund shall be created by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with the MNS to support the implementation of the NSS in emergency and crisis situations.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY (CONT’D)

g) Monitoring and Evaluation The implementation of the NSS shall be subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation by all state stakeholders including MDAs and MMDAs, to ascertain that the implementation plan itself and roles and activities assigned to stakeholders therein remain relevant and that the implementation is going on as planned. Annual reports on the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the NSS shall be submitted to the Minister of National Security for consideration by the NSC. h) Oversight Responsibility of Parliament

While the coordination of the implementation of the NSS is the responsibility of the MNS on behalf of the NSC, Parliament shall have oversight responsibility to ensure that the implementation is conducted in accordance with the law and that the necessary budgetary allocations that are made for its implementation are properly utilized. The Minster for National Security shall in this regard brief Parliament annually on the implementation of the NSS. i) Review of the National Security Strategy The Minister for National Security in consultation with the NSC shall appoint a Review Committee of competent Ghanaian nationals to review the NSS every four years. The National Development Planning Commission shall be represented in this Review Committee.

ANNEX A: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MINISTRIES

Ministry of National Security (MNS) • Role: Lead government agency for NSS implementation and coordination.

• Responsibilities: • Coordinate government ministries, departments, security, and intelligence agencies. • Conduct risk assessments and issue threat level reports. • Develop a National Intelligence Strategy. • Collaborate with media for public education. • Establish a Security Fund with the Ministry of Finance. Ministry of the Interior (MoI) • Role: Provide policy oversight for Law Enforcement, Border Security, Disaster Management, Narcotics Control, and Prisons Management. • Responsibilities: • Implement NSC strategic directions. • Collaborate with MNS and Ministry of Finance. • Develop strategies for law enforcement and border security. • Formulate disaster management and narcotics control frameworks. • Create strategies for prison reformation and fire prevention.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (CONT’D) • Ministry of Defence (MoD) • Role: Provide policy direction and oversight for the GAF. • Responsibilities: • Deploy GAF for external and internal security. • Ensure adherence to rules of engagement and human rights. • Collaborate with MNS, Ministry of Aviation, and Ministry of Finance. • Develop a National Defence Strategy. • Ministry of Finance (MoF) • Role: Build a robust economy for national development. • Responsibilities: • Support NSS with budgetary allocations. • Collaborate with MNS for resource allocation. • Establish a Security Fund. • Provide funding for human security interventions. • Collaborate on strategic fuel reserves.