In a recent visit to Nkwanta, a district grappling with rising security concerns, the National Security Coordinator, DCOP Osman Abdul Razak has emphasized the urgency of a unified, specialized response to violence linked to chief tenancy and land disputes.
The visit comes at a time when violent acts, including shootings at security and private vehicles, have raised alarm, prompting the security agencies to take swift and decisive action.
In his address, the National Security Coordinator highlighted the growing frequency of violent incidents in the region, particularly those connected to land and chief tenancy disputes.
These incidents have escalated beyond simple conflicts, with reports of shootings aimed at both security personnel and private citizens.
DCOP Abdul Razak condemned these acts, categorizing them as “absolute crime” rather than mere disputes.
“We are no longer talking about a dispute. This is outright crime, with lives being lost and innocent citizens put in harm’s way,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
He underscored that such actions would not be tolerated, promising a resolute response.
Recognizing that traditional, individual security measures would not be enough to address the scale of the crisis, the coordinator stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among various security agencies.
He called for a more proactive, coordinated approach to managing the current threats.
“We cannot afford discrimination in our operations. We need to work together across all agencies to restore order and peace,” he stated, emphasizing that the cooperation among forces must transcend traditional boundaries in order to be effective.
The National Security Coordinator also issued a stern warning to those involved in violent acts.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by chief tenancy issues, he made it clear that resorting to violence would not be tolerated.
He called for those involved in criminal activities to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“If there are chief tenancy disputes, they need to take the correct channels to resolve them. But if it comes to violence, we will not sit aloof. We will deal with it ruthlessly,” he affirmed, signaling his commitment to dealing decisively with those responsible for the chaos.
He also mentioned the importance of thorough investigations to ensure that those apprehended face proper legal consequences, reinforcing the need for transparency and fairness in the process.
Addressing the concerns raised by local officials regarding the logistical challenges of managing security, particularly the financial strain on the district’s assembly, the National Security Coordinator assured that the government would absorb the cost of deploying troops to the region. This includes covering the expenses for security operations aimed at restoring peace in the area.
“While we understand the difficulty of financing security operations locally, I assure you that the national security will absorb these costs. We will also look into any previous debts incurred in securing the region,” he assured.
He also addressed the proposal for establishing a regular security camp in the region, noting that while military presence in a democratic society must be handled with caution, the unique challenges of Nkwanta might warrant the establishment of a base to maintain order.
“We will evaluate the feasibility of a regular security camp here. It may be necessary to ensure the safety of the people, but we must also be mindful of how it’s perceived in the broader context,” he said, balancing the need for security with the principles of a democratic society.
The visit concluded with a renewed emphasis on unity and cooperation in addressing the region’s security challenges.
The National Security Coordinator reassured residents and officials that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and would provide the necessary support to end the violence that has plagued the area.
“I will be with you in the trenches. Together, we will fight this battle,” he concluded, underscoring his personal commitment to seeing through the resolution of the current crisis and bringing peace to the people of Nkwanta.
As Nkwanta continues to face challenges linked to land disputes and violence, the coordinated efforts of the National Security Coordinator and local authorities aim to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. Through a combination of specialized cooperation between security agencies, proactive measures, and financial support, the government is determined to bring an end to the current unrest and ensure the safety of all residents in the region.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
Have a news story, press release, or opinion piece you’d like to share with our audience? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at editor@metrotvonline.com
