Collaboration between academia, government and the private sector a necessity - Minister

Mr. William Kwesi Aboah, Minister of the Interior, has called for effective collaboration between academia, government institutions and private businesses as a driving force for the development of African countries.

He pointed out that the spate of devastation from conflicts and crises in many parts of the world in recent times was a wake-up call for all countries especially Ghana to prepare for disasters.

Mr. Aboah made the call when he addressed the closing session of a three-week Conflict and Crisis Management Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra.

A statement issued in Accra on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel E. Aggrey-Quashie on behalf of the Director of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces said, it was attended by personnel from Ghana Armed forces (GAF), other Security Services from Ghana and allied countries, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

It was to provide the participants with in-depth understanding of conflict and internal crisis management to work more effectively and efficiently to improve the performance of the conflict and crisis management structures in Ghana.

Mr. Aboah said the course had come at an opportune time as the country prepared for Election 2012, and charged the security agencies and allied organizations to ensure a peaceful and stable country before, during and after the elections.

He noted that conflicts and crisis did not give early warning, and therefore charged the participants to serve as trainers in the various organizations to enable more people to benefit from the programme, “You should serve as advisers and consultants in conflict and crisis matters to your organizational heads,” he said.

The Sector Minister urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to render the necessary support to sustain the programmes and urged effective collaboration between local academic institutions to develop and run programmes such as the Conflict and Crisis Management Course.

He commended the initiatives of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College in introducing innovative programmes in its curricular to bring together agencies of State to learn and deliberate on common approaches to national issues.

Mr. Aboah commended the participants for their enthusiasm and high level of participation throughout the course, and advised them to utilize their acquired skills for the benefit of their organizations.

He expressed appreciation to the Commandant of Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and others who contributed in diverse ways to make the programme a success.**