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Beware of misinformation, disinformation – Dr Bawumia to Security Agencies
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned against the increasingly powerful influence of misinformation and disinformation on national development, especially as the nation heads towards Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December.
He has therefore called on all stakeholders, including the Military and other security agencies, to be alert and vigilant to avoid falling for fake and misleading material that could lead to unnecessary actions.
Speaking at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Armed Forces Command And Staff College Course 45 and the Master Of Science In Defence And International Politics in Accra on Friday, August 23, 2024 Vice President Bawumia praised the Ghana Armed Forces for their role in ensuring Ghana’s democracy is the model for the subregion, and charged them to zealously protect this hard-won reputation.
“This year marks another year where Ghanaians will go to the polls to choose a leader and representatives to parliament. Over the years, regardless of their free and fair nature, our elections have been fraught with security challenges and have in some instances, resulted in fatalities,” he said.
According to the Vice President, “In the Fourth Republic, governments have always depended on your professionalism, discipline and resolve to discharge your duties without fear or favour. However, we find ourselves in an era of intense misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeted at both the civil populace, you the Armed Forces and the government.”
“We must understand that these acts do not only have the potential to throw the Country into a state of anarchy but also impact on the wider security of the West African Region. I encourage you particularly after being given a detailed insight into the democratic control of the military, to dwell on the teachings to conduct yourselves professionally. It is imperative to ensure that stability and the tenets of democracy are upheld always,” he stated.
Citing the ever evolving nature of warfare and conflict, especially in the West Africa subregion Vice President Bawumia, who is also Chairman of the Police Council, commended the Control Board, the Military High Command, and the Management of the College for introducing courses at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College which reflect the changing times.
“As we know, the world has been experiencing a continuous shift in global power dynamics and security over the years. It is clearly far less predictable today than it was decades ago… In this regard, it is evident that the scope of warfare and security threats have equally changed and will continue to evolve from the traditional means and medium to a more complex structure. The tactics of these actors such as violent extremist groups have changed from invasions in large groups to surgical strikes targeting key national infrastructure using cheap modified first person view kamikaze drones that are highly lethal aside other equally fatal approaches,” not noted.
“Similarly, misinformation and disinformation activities have equally become the order of the day, generating support for them and disaffection towards the established central government. It is in this regard that the introduction of the Multi-Domain Operations module in the College curriculum is not only timely but pivotal in inculcating in the Graduands critically needed exposure to contemporary soldiering and arming them with the much-needed knowledge in developing counter measures and providing the keystone training concepts needed in combating such threats. Through this, we can equally position the Armed Forces, Sister Security agencies and allied armed forces to better defend Ghana and our respective friendly countries effectively,” he emphasized.
The Vice President urged the graduates, drawn from 17 countries including Ghana, to harness the insights gained during the course and the relationships forged with colleagues from different parts of the continent to work collaboratively to protect the peace and security of Africa and the world.
“I am of the firm belief that the modules and seminars you have been taken through have provided you with the platform to engage and build relationships that traverse beyond our borders. Therefore, you must understand the importance of collaborative efforts in realizing national security objectives or operational goals. These further shed light on the essence of joint operations as well as the key roles allies, multi-national agencies, sister security agencies and governmental organisations play in achieving set objectives,” he further added.
Dr.Bawumia concluded “I encourage you to take advantage of the relationship you have established and capitalize on it for enhanced co-operation. Furthermore, I urge you to use the knowledge gained to make a meaningful impact as you go out to take positions that are vital to the progress of the Ghana Armed Forces, your militaries and institutions.”
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University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
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Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
