MPs call for regular interaction with defence experts

Ho (Volta Region) -- The Parliamentary Select Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior and Defence at the weekend called for regular platforms for interaction with security and defence experts in the country.

The call was made at the end of a two-day seminar on "Operationalising the ECOWAS Protocol relating to the mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security" at Ho.

Serving and retired senior officers of the Ghana Army with peacekeeping experience addressed the seminar, which was sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation

The MPs suggested that future seminars relating to security and defence should include senior officers of other security agencies such as the police, Customs Excise and Preventive Service and Immigration Service.

They called on retired senior military officers to form a think-tank to advice governments on defence and security matters both in the country and in the international arena.

A military officer who wants to remain anonymous described the forum as good and it afforded them the opportunity to discuss issues in a frank atmosphere with decision makers and representatives of the people for the first time.

He hoped the MPs would share their information with their colleagues to enable them to educate their constituents to appreciate the fact that the maintenance of national security is a collective responsibility.