On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Honourable Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister for National Security, accompanied by the Chief Director and the Director of Intelligence Analysis at the Ministry, paid a working visit to the Ghanaian contingent of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB), known as GHANCOY 3. The visit took place on the sidelines of three key events: the 51st Independence Day celebration of Guinea Bissau, the Centenary Anniversary of the birth of Amílcar Cabral, and the 60th Anniversary of the Guinea Bissau Armed Forces.
The Minister’s visit aimed to assess the operational, administrative, and logistical status of the Ghanaian troops while boosting their morale. Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Mawuli Agboado, Combat Team Commander, and his staff officers provided a comprehensive briefing on the unit’s current state and expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s consistent support.
In his address, Hon. Kan-Dapaah commended the troops for their discipline and commitment to fulfilling the ECOWAS mandate in Guinea-Bissau. He lauded their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasising their crucial role in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity. The Minister recognised the challenges security personnel face, particularly as attacks against security forces have become more frequent. He praised the troops for their resilience, patience, and continued dedication to their mission.
One of the critical points the Minister highlighted during his visit was the government’s commitment to improving the compensation for security and intelligence officers. He assured the troops that measures were being taken to enhance their remuneration before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term in January 2024, recognising their sacrifices and contributions to national security and stability.
Addressing recent misconceptions, the Minister firmly dismissed allegations of agreements between the government and terrorist groups. He reiterated that Ghana’s security framework is a robust deterrent to non-state actors, stressing that operational efficiency and vigilance remain the country’s primary tools in mitigating security threats.
The Minister also emphasised the government’s dedication to ensuring free and fair elections in December 2024. He commended the Electoral Commission’s efforts to uphold transparency and urged continued collaboration between the police and military to guarantee an incident-free electoral process.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure as Minister for Defence, Hon. Kan-Dapaah expressed his deep respect for the military’s discipline and professionalism. He concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the Ghanaian contingent as they continue their vital mission in Guinea Bissau.
