President Akufo-Addo has made a compelling case for the establishment of an ECOWAS Standby Force to combat the growing threats of terrorism, piracy, and coups in West Africa. Addressing the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) 2024, he emphasized the need for collective action, stressing that no single country can effectively address these challenges alone.
The President highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, citing initiatives like the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force as crucial frameworks for enhancing regional security. He also emphasized the need to address emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate-induced security risks with equal urgency.
President Akufo-Addo called for a holistic approach to building resilience against all forms of insecurity, emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and commitment from leaders, security forces, and citizens. He expressed confidence that through collective efforts, Africa can create a secure, prosperous, and thriving continent.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah, echoed the need for military forces to upgrade their capabilities in response to recent technological advancements. The IDEC 2024 conference brought together key stakeholders from Africa and beyond to discuss contemporary security challenges facing the region.
