SONA 2024: Our Security Is In Our Own Hands, Govt Has Done Nothing – Dr Bempong

In response to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Eric Bempong, a lecturer at KAAF University College has voiced strong criticism against the NPP government’s handling of security issues in Ghana.

According to him, the government has failed to adequately ensure the safety and security of Ghanaians, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the citizens themselves.

“Our security is in our own hands, so let’s be proactive. So this security he is talking about, is it about the number of people being employed? It is not about how many police officers you have  employed. Even do they have the logistics? Even how do they recruit them? I don’t want to talk about that,” he said during a panel discussion on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Bawku, Dr. Bempong indicated that it can be resolved if government refrained from politicizing the issue and instead focus on finding a resolution.

He cited former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s successful intervention in the Yendi conflict with the assistance of Otumfuo Osei Tutu, questioning why similar efforts are not being made by the current administration.

During the State of the Nation Address, the president indicated that the peace and security of the country are not by chance, as his government has invested a significant amount of money into the sector.

He stated, “…I might add that it has also meant we have had to spend a lot of money that would otherwise have been available to spend on many of our development needs. But I believe we are all agreed that the primary responsibility of the state towards its citizens is to provide and guarantee peace and security, and we are doing just that.”

“Since we came into office, we have ensured a significant expansion of the Armed Forces and all the other security agencies. We are paying diligent attention to their welfare as well.”

“For the majority of us and our everyday activities, it is the security of our streets and homes and communities that concern us most. We want our children and grandchildren to grow up in a safe atmosphere, and the Ghana Police Service play the lead role in this.”

Story by Adwoa S. Danso