The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and other members of West African Action Network on Small Arms – WAANSA on 31st January 2024 had a meeting with the EU Commission in Ghana to discuss the challenges of curbing transnational organised crime in the country and the solutions thereof.

According to Ms. Anna Lixi, Head of Section for the Governance and Security Unit, the discussions were important for advising on, and influencing an upcoming project on strengthening the capacities of security agencies in Ghana to deal with transnational organised crime and its effects.

FOSDA represented by Ms. Dorothy Barnes (programme officer) confirmed the porosity of the country’s borders, information captured in the organisation’s 2022 border sensitivity report.
Coupled with the cosmopolitan nature of the country, for security agencies to be quickly informed on smuggling activities and syndicates, she said that it was important for community members including women and young people to be made aware of all suspicious activity that could be associated with transnational organised crime for reporting.

This is critical and makes the country more security conscious as they prepare for the 2024 general elections.

Again, according to her, the work of CSOs in creating awareness and advocating for the full and proper implementation of legislative frameworks like the Arms Trade Treaty is always important.

She encouraged the EU commission to continue their good work of deepening intelligence and supporting more gender sensitive research work done by CSOs when it came to transnational organised crime.