Security experts brainstorm on combating terrorism

Accra, May 7, GNA- Security experts from Africa and the Middle East Chapter of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Academy Association, on Monday converged in Accra to brainstorm on how to tighten the screw on global terrorism and crime.

The senior law enforcement officers from the US -based Academy, would spend the next three days to dilate on "Public Corruption," "Terrorism," "Drug Trafficking, "Hostage Survival," and "Fraud." Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who opened the conference said trans-national crime had become an evil by-product of technological advancement with widespread ramifications and interconnectedness. "The contemporary patterns of such crimes are infinitely more complex than they have been at any point in history," he said, stressing that the problem had been worsened by the 2001 terrorist attacks on the US and the upsurge in global movements, including refugee flows. " Unfortunately the traditional criminal justice institutions have limited capability to deal with the problem."

Vice President Mahama lauded the conference as an impressive gathering of key and high ranking personalities engaged in law enforcement across the world.

He said: " The FBI National Academy is a force to reckon with. The over 40,000 graduates from 156 countries throughout the world make you a special group whose contribution to law enforcement cannot be understated."

Vice President Mahama said Ghana collaborated with the FBI in 2001 in resolving a grave national issue, which caused considerable public panic and fear.

He said the country's law enforcement agencies had made success in dealing with drug trafficking and abuse, human trafficking, armed robbery and money laundering.

"Most of the successes chalked were through co-operation and collaboration with other external security agencies and this further goes to show that by working together we can stop those who are determined to undermine the safety and well-being of our communities." Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior suggested the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure world safety through effective policing, explaining: " By working together we become better equipped and strong to fight crime."

He said Ghana had made remarkable advances to ensure peaceful and stable democratic process.

Mr Timothy Overtine, President of the Association said members of the academy were making strides through networking.

Mr David Asante Appeatu, President of the Africa and the Middle East Chapter of the Association and the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service said fighting crime was the best way to ensure a safe and secured future for the world.