President Akufo-Addo has called for the establishment of an ECOWAS Standby Force to address terrorism, piracy, and coups in West Africa.

At the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) 2024, the chairman of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government, emphasized that no single country can tackle the rising threats of terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, maritime piracy, and cyber threats alone.

The establishment of the ECOWAS Standby Force will aid in deterring coups, piracy, and terrorism in our sub-region,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among nations, citing initiatives like the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force as essential frameworks for enhancing regional security.

“Initiatives like the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force are essential frameworks that enable us to work together more effectively. By building capacity, sharing intelligence, and fostering greater unity among our nations, we can create a safer and more secure Africa,” he said.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, underscored the need for military forces to upgrade their capabilities in response to recent technological advancements.

IDEC 2024 brought together key stakeholders from Africa and beyond to discuss contemporary security challenges facing the region.

Credit TV3 Ghana