Former Deputy Defence Minister and MP for Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has drawn a correlation between the recent pirate attack on fishermen to the country’s lack of adequate naval resources.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Analyst in Parliament,Honourable Kofi Amankwa-Manu,strongly believe that the attack would not have occurred if adequate resources had been committed to the Navy’s operations.
“For me, it’s a problem… that should tell you how the problem is now getting closer to us,” he said, expressing concern about the security implications.
Amankwa-Manu recalled an application for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) of which same was rejected in the past, saying,
“Within eight years of Akufo-Addo’s tenure, he was able to provide for the Ghana Navy twenty vessels… Now we are having to go back to purchase the same thing.”
He questioned the decision, saying it has compromised Ghana’s security.
The MP emphasized that the pirate attack, and killing of eight Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso, serve as a wake-up call for the country to prioritize its security.
“The harm has already caused. We don’t know when next they are going to strike… It can be me. It can be you. It can be everybody,” he said, urging Ghanaians to take the issue seriously.
Amankwa-Manu’s comment comes amid concerns about the country’s security, particularly with the recent killing of Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso.
He underscored the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister stressed is exacerbating the situation, saying, “International defence cooperation requires ministerial-level engagement.”
The MP’s remarks highlight the need for Ghana to invest in its security infrastructure to protect its citizens and interests.
As the country navigates these challenges, there are calls for increased cooperation with regional partners to combat terrorism and piracy.
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
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