Border management training project launched for ECOWAS countries

A 370 thousand dollar border management training project for security agencies for seven ECOWAS countries has been launched to enhance their capabilities against extremism and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel Region.   

The one-year project dubbed, “Strengthening border control capabilities against extremism and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel” is organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Japanese Embassy.  

Funded by the Japanese government, the programme will be implemented by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).  

The beneficiary countries are Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Niger.  

Briefing journalists on the programme, the Country Director of the UNDP, Dominic Sam, said in view of the growing concerns over the rising spate of terrorism and extremism in West Africa and the Sahel, security agencies need cutting-edge intelligence, skills and strategies to deal with the issue. 

The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Accra, Shigeru Umetsu, stated that the project forms part of Japan’s commitment to peace and stability in the ECOWAS region in particular and Africa as a whole.  

He said more than 90 security personnel from the seven countries are expected to benefit from the training programme.  

For Ghana, personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Police Service, the Military and other intelligence outfit will benefit from the exercise.  

SOURCE: Graphiconline