President Mahama Urges Citizens to Support Security Efforts and Avoid False Alarms
Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to play their part in supporting national security by avoiding false alarms and providing accurate information to the security services.
Speaking at the Graduation Parade of the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, April 11, 2025, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of collaboration between citizens, organizations and government in safeguarding the peace and security of the nation.
According to him Ghana does not have the resources and time to engage in what he termed as a game of smoke and mirrors. He urged all Ghanaians to act responsibly and not imitate the shepherd boy in the famous fable who repeatedly cried wolf when there was no danger.
The complementary roles of individuals, organizations, the government and national security are of importance, Mahama said. I urge our citizens to discharge this complementary duty of helping to safeguard our security and not behave like the shepherd boy in the famous fable who cried wolf when there was no wolf.”
He stressed the need for the public to support the Ghana Armed Forces and security agencies with accurate, actionable intelligence, assuring that all credible reports of crime will be thoroughly investigated.
We will take all allegations of crime seriously and trigger our security service investigation machinery to go after criminals, no matter who they are, he stated. “But let me state emphatically also that we do not have the resources and time to engage in any game of smoke and mirrors.
Touching on national peace efforts particularly in conflict-prone areas President Mahama assured Ghanaians that steps are being taken to restore lasting peace in Bawku one of the country’s major security flashpoints.
He revealed that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has committed to resuming the Bawku peace mediation process upon his return from a brief trip abroad.
The Ghana Armed Forces is engaged in several operations to maintain peace and security in our nation. One major flashpoint is the Bawku area, Mahama said. Only two days ago a situation that took place in the market triggered an unfortunate loss of life and criminal vandalism of property.
The former President reiterated the need for unity and peaceful coexistence, stating that nobody benefits from ongoing conflicts and instability.
We have triggered the Otumfuo mediation process which has all the stakeholders to ensure a roadmap towards peace. I am assured by the Asantehene that the process will resume next week when he returns from his brief visit abroad.
President Mahama’s remarks come at a time when national security remains a key concern ahead of the 2024 general elections, with various stakeholders calling for peaceful engagements and responsible citizenship.
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