PRESIDENT MAHAMA’S NATIONAL SECURITY LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) commends His Excellency President John MAHAMA for swiftly constituting his national security team, first the interim National Security Co-ordinating Committee appointed for the transition period, and the subsequent appointment of substantive National Security Advisor, National Security Co-ordinator, Director-General Bureau of National Intelligence, Director Security Operations at the Presidency and ministers for Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Attorney General. IISS, in its preliminary assessment of the appointments applauds the President for recognizing the need for high level expertise, experience and competence for the management of national security, and in particular the re-instatement of time-tested established standards in appointment of officials for national security management. The Institute assesses the team as solid and professional and meets the technical and professional requirements needed to manage Ghana’s national security. IISS however, observes that the appointment of a serving police officer as National Security Co-ordinator while the officer remains in service of the police which is under the command and control of the Inspector-General of Police is an anomaly, in view of Ghana’s unified national security hierarchical and command structure which is a critical feature of Ghana’s national security architecture. IISS views this development as having potential to undermine effective coordination and operational efforts, especially bothering on matters relating to power balance, influence and authority relative to the Office of National Security Coordinator in maintaining and promoting a unified national security command structure and therefore recommends the retirement of the officer from the police service. It is the expectation of IISS that the new national security management team would demonstrate high level of responsibility, commitment and dedication to the national interest, by promoting and enhancing national security and stability of Ghana rather than pursuing regime security, historically characterized by political suppression and human rights abuses. Given the current security threats facing the country including conflicts, environmental and health threats, food security threats, violent crime, cyber threats and regional threat of terrorism and cross-border crimes, intelligence gathering capability should be enhanced and security agencies resourced and empowered to respond to these threats in a timely and efficient manner. While, it is commendable the swift response by the new National Security Coordinator to the renewed conflict in NKWANTA in the OTI REGION, to assess the situation and assure the people of government’s responsibility to maintain peace in the area, the Institute urges the Coordinator to adopt a non-militarized, conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approach to dealing with the myriad of conflicts across the country, including BAWKU and increasing conflicts in the mining areas, taking into consideration underlying root causes and complex factors fueling these conflicts and re-evaluation of the effectiveness of kinetic strategies adopted to address conflicts in the country over time. It is the expectation of IISS that the National Security Coordinator, as Head of the Intelligence Community (IC) and Principal Advisor to the President, National Security Council, Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police and all government agencies and departments on matters of national security would prioritize legal and structural reforms to refine the National Security Council Secretariat into a highly technical and professional center for national intelligence, with a more unified, effective and efficient IC capable of supplying required intelligence in a timely and effective manner to enhance national security. The proposed review of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030) should provide for a harmonized human resource and recruitment and staffing policy for attracting the needed skills and manpower for the effective performance of the functions of the Office set out in Section 21 of the Act, in pursuance of Article 84 of the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution. Recommendations of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission and Ejura Shooting Incident Committee should be rigorously implemented as part of the national security intelligence sector reforms, in particular matters touching on the demilitarization of the National Security Council Secretariat. Re-instating and enhancing time-tested recruitment standards and processes into the intelligence services (Bureau of National Intelligence, Research Bureau and quasi-intelligence outfits) should be pursued to eliminate the practice of infiltration of the intelligence system by political elements and regime operatives, a development that undermines professionalism and integrity of the intelligence system. IIISS further urges that stringent recruitment and appointment procedures for staff to the Office of National Security Coordinator pursuant to Section 23 of Act 1030 be instituted to eliminate the practice of employing party loyalists to perform parallel law enforcement functions which the established security agencies are constitutionally mandated to perform. The NSCS must be staffed with persons with highly specialized and technical skills including specialists and subject matter experts in intelligence, forensics, analysis and key areas of critical need for the office rather than employing persons for basic law enforcement functions. Clear procedures and protocols for secondment of personnel of the established security agencies should be developed and implemented, but coordination of the work of the security agencies should be a major focus rather than directly undertaking of enforcement actions. The Institute also notes with high commendation, the new government’s prioritization of addressing and strengthening regional security and stability in view of current security and political security challenges in the Sahel area, and the challenges facing the regional bloc ECOWAS’ ability to maintain effective regional cohesion and integration among member states and enhanced stability of the bloc, in particular relating to the Sahelian security and political crisis. The appointment of a Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States (ASS) comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting regional cohesion given the planned exit of the ASS from ECOWAS, and its potential impact on ECOWAS in promoting regional integration, harmony and stability, in particular on Ghana, in view of the relationship between Ghana and the ASS in the area of trade and security. IISS urges the government to employ all diplomatic means to ensure the return of ASS members to ECOWAS, while recognizing the peculiar needs and aspirations of the citizens of these countries and
Assessment of President Mahama’s National Security Leadership Appointments
PRESIDENT MAHAMA’S NATIONAL SECURITY LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) commends His Excellency President John MAHAMA for swiftly constituting his national security team, first the interim National Security Co-ordinating Committee appointed for the transition period, and the subsequent appointment of substantive National Security Advisor, National Security Co-ordinator, Director-General Bureau of National Intelligence, Director Security Operations at the Presidency and ministers for Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Attorney General. IISS, in its preliminary assessment of the appointments applauds the President for recognizing the need for high level expertise, experience and competence for the management of national security, and in particular the re-instatement of time-tested established standards in appointment of officials for national security management. The Institute assesses the team as solid and professional and meets the technical and professional requirements needed to manage Ghana’s national security. IISS however, observes that the appointment of a serving police officer as National Security Co-ordinator while the officer remains in service of the police which is under the command and control of the Inspector-General of Police is an anomaly, in view of Ghana’s unified national security hierarchical and command structure which is a critical feature of Ghana’s national security architecture. IISS views this development as having potential to undermine effective coordination and operational efforts, especially bothering on matters relating to power balance, influence and authority relative to the Office of National Security Coordinator in maintaining and promoting a unified national security command structure and therefore recommends the retirement of the officer from the police service. It is the expectation of IISS that the new national security management team would demonstrate high level of responsibility, commitment and dedication to the national interest, by promoting and enhancing national security and stability of Ghana rather than pursuing regime security, historically characterized by political suppression and human rights abuses. Given the current security threats facing the country including conflicts, environmental and health threats, food security threats, violent crime, cyber threats and regional threat of terrorism and cross-border crimes, intelligence gathering capability should be enhanced and security agencies resourced and empowered to respond to these threats in a timely and efficient manner. While, it is commendable the swift response by the new National Security Coordinator to the renewed conflict in NKWANTA in the OTI REGION, to assess the situation and assure the people of government’s responsibility to maintain peace in the area, the Institute urges the Coordinator to adopt a non-militarized, conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approach to dealing with the myriad of conflicts across the country, including BAWKU and increasing conflicts in the mining areas, taking into consideration underlying root causes and complex factors fueling these conflicts and re-evaluation of the effectiveness of kinetic strategies adopted to address conflicts in the country over time. It is the expectation of IISS that the National Security Coordinator, as Head of the Intelligence Community (IC) and Principal Advisor to the President, National Security Council, Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police and all government agencies and departments on matters of national security would prioritize legal and structural reforms to refine the National Security Council Secretariat into a highly technical and professional center for national intelligence, with a more unified, effective and efficient IC capable of supplying required intelligence in a timely and effective manner to enhance national security. The proposed review of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030) should provide for a harmonized human resource and recruitment and staffing policy for attracting the needed skills and manpower for the effective performance of the functions of the Office set out in Section 21 of the Act, in pursuance of Article 84 of the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution. Recommendations of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission and Ejura Shooting Incident Committee should be rigorously implemented as part of the national security intelligence sector reforms, in particular matters touching on the demilitarization of the National Security Council Secretariat. Re-instating and enhancing time-tested recruitment standards and processes into the intelligence services (Bureau of National Intelligence, Research Bureau and quasi-intelligence outfits) should be pursued to eliminate the practice of infiltration of the intelligence system by political elements and regime operatives, a development that undermines professionalism and integrity of the intelligence system. IIISS further urges that stringent recruitment and appointment procedures for staff to the Office of National Security Coordinator pursuant to Section 23 of Act 1030 be instituted to eliminate the practice of employing party loyalists to perform parallel law enforcement functions which the established security agencies are constitutionally mandated to perform. The NSCS must be staffed with persons with highly specialized and technical skills including specialists and subject matter experts in intelligence, forensics, analysis and key areas of critical need for the office rather than employing persons for basic law enforcement functions. Clear procedures and protocols for secondment of personnel of the established security agencies should be developed and implemented, but coordination of the work of the security agencies should be a major focus rather than directly undertaking of enforcement actions. The Institute also notes with high commendation, the new government’s prioritization of addressing and strengthening regional security and stability in view of current security and political security challenges in the Sahel area, and the challenges facing the regional bloc ECOWAS’ ability to maintain effective regional cohesion and integration among member states and enhanced stability of the bloc, in particular relating to the Sahelian security and political crisis. The appointment of a Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States (ASS) comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting regional cohesion given the planned exit of the ASS from ECOWAS, and its potential impact on ECOWAS in promoting regional integration, harmony and stability, in particular on Ghana, in view of the relationship between Ghana and the ASS in the area of trade and security. IISS urges the government to employ all diplomatic means to ensure the return of ASS members to ECOWAS, while recognizing the peculiar needs and aspirations of the citizens of these countries and
IISS Commends Ghana For Peaceful Political Transition
IISS Commends Ghana For Peaceful Political Transition The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) commends the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana for a peaceful transfer of power, following its peaceful December 07 general elections. The successful handover of power to a democratically elected President and Members of Parliament further demonstrates the growing resilience of Ghana’s democracy and an enduring beacon of democracy in Africa. 2. IISS extends its congratulations to President of the Republic H.E John Dramani MAHAMA, Vice President H.E Jane Naana Opoku AGYEMANG, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban BAGBIN and Members of Parliament on this historic occasion of 9th political transition of the 4th Republic of Ghana. 3. The Institute admonishes the new political leadership of the country to exhibit high level of commitment to good governance and responsibility to the people in the conduct of their public mandates as given by the Ghanaian voters, and to act in manner that ensures free, fair and just society that promotes the general welfare and aspirations of the population, in line with the Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter Six of the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution. 4. IISS as a specialized security think-tank specialized in national security intelligence affairs, in continuing its monitoring, assessment and evaluation of security developments, policies and programs, including tracking of political manifesto commitments and policy proposals of political parties, has taken critical notice of the NDC government’s security sector blueprint and policy proposals contained in its 2024 campaign manifesto for enhancing national security and public safety. 5. It is the expectation of IISS, that the MAHAMA government as a matter of priority would implement drastic, robust and critical reforms to address key factors and challenges affecting the effective and efficient functioning of the security system. The Institute takes notice of, and shall monitor closely proposed key institutional and structural reforms contained in Chapter 6. 4 of the NDC Manifesto, which among others, key priority areas should focus on; a. conducting investigations into recruitment malpractices undertaken by the past government and ensure the security services are purged of all politically recruited and undesirable elements, and restore merit-based recruitments, promotions and appointments into the security services. b. reviewing the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2020 (Act 1030) in order to; i. restructure and refine the intelligence community to meet demands of contemporary national security threats and global security dynamics. ii. restore time-tested standard and professional recruitment processes for recruitment, training and re-training of intelligence officers in line with international best practices and intelligence sector governance and national security management. iii. restore and mandate the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) to conduct vetting of all potential candidates for recruitment and appointment into the security agencies and sensitive establishments. iv. reform the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) into a highly specialized and professional center of national intelligence for the purpose of enhancing national security, defence and protection of the sovereignty of the Republic of Ghana. v. provide a legal framework to guide the direct appointment of staff to the Office of National Security Co-ordinator, to ensure only persons with specialist skills and highly specialized expertise are employed to assist the Co-ordinator in the performance of his functions, with limited secondment of only personnel of the established security agencies to the Secretariat, ensuring that the respective security agencies are empowered to perform their constitutional mandates, without usurpation of the powers and mandates by politically recruited party elements performing parallel law enforcement functions under the auspices of the NSCS. c. Instituting reforms to prevent the misuse of the military in civil matters and empower the police, in collaboration with other security agencies to conduct its constitutional civil security mandate for the maintenance of internal security, law and order. d. Liaise with Parliament to fast-track the operation of an Intelligence Select Committee of Parliament to deepen parliamentary oversight over the intelligence sector in line with the new Standing Order of Parliament. 6. The Institute, in line with its mandate as a professional, non-partisan and independent security think-tank, in offering policy recommendations and advisories to governments for improvement in the management of national security and professional functioning of the intelligence community, would be submitting a full policy paper outlining detailed recommendations and policy options, and engage with relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of National Security, Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior for reforming the national security and intelligence system to combat new and emerging threats to national security, peace and stability. 7. IISS re-iterates its commitment to upholding professionalism in the conduct of national security intelligence and looks forward to working with all relevant stakeholders and similar organizations in promoting national security and international peace and stability. Issued Accra, 07 January 2025. IISS Directorate END. CLick here to download statement More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) All Events News Press Release Publications Research Uncategorized IISS Commends Ghana For Peaceful Political Transition News, Press Release IISS Commends Ghana For Peaceful Political Transition The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) commends the Government and… Read Full Story… Ghana-Intelligence Chiefs Research Ghana-Intelligence Chiefs PAST NATIONAL SECURITY CO-ORDINATORS Kofi Bentum Quantson, career intelligence officer, former Director Special Branch, 1st Director BNI, 1st… Read Full Story… IISS cautions security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of intelligence Publications The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) is cautioning security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of classified intelligence and… Read Full Story… Load More End of Content.
Ghana-Intelligence Chiefs
Ghana-Intelligence Chiefs PAST NATIONAL SECURITY CO-ORDINATORS Kofi Bentum Quantson, career intelligence officer, former Director Special Branch, 1st Director BNI, 1st Director Narcotics Control, and National Security Co-ordinator. Col. Jeff Asmah, career military intelligence officer. Replaced by K. B Quantson. Naval Capt. Baffour Assase Gyimah, career military officer with many years of experience in military operations and intelligence. Col. Gbevlo Lartey, career military intelligence officer, former Commander 64 Infantry Regiment, Ghana Armed Forces and a lawyer Mr. Joshua Kyeremeh, career intelligence officer of BNI, an operative and regional commander in various regions, headed, departments at BNI HQ, Deputy Director BNI and Director BNI. Appointed in 2017 as National Security Co-ordinator, a position he held until he died in 2020. Mr. Francis Poku, career intelligence officer of the Special Branch and BNI, served in various capacities as operative, commander in various regions and BNI HQ departments. Was appointed National Security Co-ordinator. Brigadier General Francis Amanfoh, a career military intelligence officer and has undertaken foreign Intelligence and military assignments.Was appointed to replace late Joshua kyeremeh. CURRENT: Mr. Edward Asomani (former Danquah Institure Head of Research, appointed to Analysis Department of National Security Council Secretariat in 2017, appointed Deputy National Security Co-ordinator in 2020) PAST DIRECTORS OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU Mr. Ben Forjoe (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director Special Branch) Mr. J. H Owusu Sekeyere (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director Special Branch) Mr. C.K Mawuenyega (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director Special Branch) Mr. Anthony Deku (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director Special Branch) Prof GKA Ofosu Armah( Legal academic and Dean of University Ghana Faculty of Law/Director Special Branch) Mr. Kofi Bentum Quantson (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director Special Branch and Director BNI) Mr. Peter Tenganaba Nafuri (police officer, career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr.Yaw Donkor (career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr. Jones Afari (police officer, career intelligence, Director Special Branch) Mr. J.B Amofa (career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr. Ellis Owusu Fordjour (career intelligence Officer, Director BNI) Mr. Joshua Kyeremeh (career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr. Pious Awelinga (career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr. William Akwasi Appiah (career intelligence officer, Director BNI) Mr. Rasheed Seidu Inusah (career foreign intelligence officer of Research Department, Director BNI) Mr. Kwaku Domfeh (career intelligence officer, Director BNI/NIB) CURRENT:Mr. Attobrah Quarcoe (former Director Danquah Institute, appointed Deputy Director BNI in 2019) PAST DIRECTORS OF RESEARCH DEPARTMENT Mr. Ben Forjoe Ambassador Alex Danquah Mr. Yaw Osei Mr. D.K Mensah Ambassador Rasheed Seidu Inusah. CUREENT: Mr. Peter Nyarko Opata. PAST DIRECTORS OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE Brigadier General M.M Hassan Lt. Gen Joshua Hamidu Brigadier General Nicholas Andoh CURRENT: Brigadier General Albert Yeboah Nsiah Source: IISS Research Department All Events News Press Release Publications Research Uncategorized Ghana-Intelligence Chiefs Research PAST NATIONAL SECURITY CO-ORDINATORS Kofi Bentum Quantson, career intelligence officer, former Director Special Branch, 1st Director BNI, 1st Director Narcotics… Read Full Story… IISS cautions security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of intelligence Publications The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) is cautioning security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of classified intelligence and security… Read Full Story… China offers $15,000 cash — or a ‘spiritual reward’ — for national security tip-offs Publications Hong Kong (CNN)China is offering its citizens cash rewards of up to and above 100,000 yuan ($15,000) for tip-offs about… Read Full Story… Load More End of Content.
IISS cautions security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of intelligence
The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) is cautioning security personnel against unauthorized disclosure of classified intelligence and security information. Speaking in an interview with ATV Asem Dika program, Ag Director IISS, Nana Dr. Sadiq Adu-Twum, expressed serious concern about this development, noting that personnel engaged in the conduct posed greater threat to national security than the external extremist groups, adding that such leaks will enable extremists to change their modus operandi. Dr Sadiq Adu-Twum, while making reference to a press statement issued by the Institute on the recent leak of a national security intelligence meant for specific security authorities, explained that documents marked “confidential” are part of a class of documents which must not be disseminated to unauthorized persons. The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security remains committed to upholding high ethical and professional standards in the intelligence and national security domain. As an independent professional, non-partisan non-governmental organization, IISS is dedicated to promoting professionalism and professionalization within the field of intelligence and national security. Source: IISS Communication Bureau
China offers $15,000 cash — or a ‘spiritual reward’ — for national security tip-offs
Hong Kong (CNN)China is offering its citizens cash rewards of up to and above 100,000 yuan ($15,000) for tip-offs about people who endanger national security, as authorities intensify a years-long campaign to weed out what they see as growing threats from foreign espionage and “hostile forces.” Successful informants can receive either “spiritual rewards” in certificates or “material rewards” in cash, according to regulations released by the Ministry of State Security on Monday. The cash rewards are graded into four levels based on the value of the tip-off, ranging from less than 10,000 yuan ($1,500) to more than 100,000 yuan. Tip-offs should be specific about the people or actions involved, and the information needs to be new to the authorities. The reports can be made in person, online, by post or through the state security hotline. For years, Chinese authorities have encouraged the public to inform on foreign spies and their Chinese collaborators through propaganda and incentive campaigns — efforts that have gathered pace under the country’s leader Xi Jinping. “We must ensure that national security is all for the people and all by the people, mobilizing the efforts of the whole Communist Party and whole society to bring together powerful forces to safeguard national security,” Xi told officials in 2016. In 2017, the Beijing municipal government began offering rewards of up to half a million yuan ($75,000) for anyone who helps to expose a spy. Within a year, authorities had received nearly 5,000 reports and handed out rewards to informants ranging from scientific researchers to cab drivers, according to state-run Beijing News. The new measures aim to standardize such rewards and motivate the public, a Ministry of State Security representative told the Legal Daily, a state-run newspaper. “The formulation of the measures helps fully mobilize the enthusiasm of the general public to support and assist in national security work, and widely rally the hearts, morale, wisdom and strength of the people,” the ministry representative was quoted as saying. The regulations also come as Chinese officials and state media push the narrative that China is under grave, constant threat from “hostile foreign forces,” who are supposedly seeking to infiltrate and undermine the country in every possible way. “China’s national security is confronted with a severe and complex situation. In particular, foreign intelligence agencies and hostile forces have significantly intensified their infiltration and espionage activities with more diverse means and are targeting broader areas, posing a serious threat to China’s national security,” the ministry representative said. China’s growing suspicion toward foreign influences stems partly from its growing geopolitical rivalry with the West, especially the United States, as the country turns more authoritarian at home and assertive abroad under Xi. Xi’s efforts to strengthen national security started a year after he came to office. In November 2013, he set up a powerful National Security Commission — which he heads — to lead the effort and better coordinate the wings of the country’s security bureaucracy. In 2015, China passed a sweeping national security law covering a wide array of areas, including defense, politics, the economy, the environment, technology, cyberspace, outer space, culture, ideology and religion. It also set up a national hotline for citizens to report on suspected spies or espionage. On April 15, 2016, the country marked its first annual National Security Education Day with an avalanche of propaganda, including a comic-style poster displayed across Beijing warning young female civil servants about dating handsome foreigners — lest they fall for a potential James Bond. And for the country’s second National Security Education Day, an online publishing house issued books for schoolchildren to learn how to safeguard national security, containing games like “find the spy.” The Global Times, a state-run nationalist tabloid, said the books were part of an effort to mobilize students from primary schools to colleges as “a huge counter-spy force.” About the same time, an unofficial notice circulated widely on social media, listing ways to spot a potential spy. Foreign correspondents, missionaries and NGO staff were among those identified as likely suspects. So too were people “with vague jobs, multiple titles and plenty of money”, those who have “studied abroad in many countries” and “people who regularly go somewhere to meet other people.” But these campaigns have not only raised suspicion of foreigners living in China. They have also been used to target government critics, social activists, lawyers, journalists, feminists and other outspoken members of the Chinese public — especially given the extremely broad and vague definition of “national security.” On social media, liberal commentators are often accused by nationalists of being traitors to their country and labeled “walking 500k” — meaning they work for foreign spies and are worth a cash reward if reported. Their accounts are frequently attacked by nationalist trolls and reported to censors — and subsequently wiped from platforms. Foreign forces and their Chinese collaborators are increasingly blamed for a host of social issues — from substandard illustrations in primary school textbooks to mounting criticism against the country’s zero-Covid policy. Following the release of the new regulations, some Chinese social media users joked that Chinese “traitors” have depreciated to 100,000 yuan from 500,000 yuan in 2017 because there were simply too many of them nowadays. Source: CNN
Prosecute persons involved in leakage of National Security Information-IISS
The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) has called for investigation and prosecution of persons involved in leakage of intelligence meant to fight against violent extremism and other threats to national security. In a statement issued by the Institute, it notes that the trend of authorized disclosure of information and intelligence poses threats to national security and charged the Ministry of National Security to bring the culprits to book. The statement further called for review of the recruitment regime to ensure undesirable elements do not gain entry into the security and intelligence agencies as employment of such persons in sensitive positions endangers national security. It also advised all citizens and in particular security personnel to guard against unauthorized disclosure of classified information, citing such conduct as offence punishable under Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2020 (Act 1030). Full statement below. Click to read IISS Press Release
Press Release – Leakage of classified national security information
Press Release No. 1/22 June 5, 2022 LEAKAGE OF CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) notes with grave concern recent developments relating to leakage of classified intelligence and national security information into the public domain and calls for thorough investigation into the phenomenon 2. The most recent of this unauthorized disclosure of classified material is the leakage of the National Security Co-ordinator’s intelligence on movement of suspicious elements in border areas in the North-East and Upper East regions. 3. The intelligence signal dated 01/06/2022 to the Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police meant to ensure security operatives monitor and crack down on criminal elements infiltrating Ghanaian territory leaked into the public domain hours after it was disseminated, calling to question security of classified information and state secrets, especially at a time the nation is on high alert following expansionist drive of violent extremist organizations in the Sahel. 4. It is worthy of note that this particular incident adds to other similar leaks in recent past including the May 12, 2022 memo of the National Security Co-ordinator to religious organizations, 2021 June 15 Police Headquarters Wireless Message on suspected infiltration of armed elements into Upper East just to mention a few. 5. IISS considers this growing trend as not only militating the fight against threat of violent extremism and other forms of threats, but a demonstration of a seeming weakness in our national security intelligence system that presents potential information security vulnerability facilitating access to sensitive security information by our adversaries. 6. The Institute is by this statement calling on the Ministry of National Security to take urgent steps to launch full investigations into these security breaches and prosecute persons found culpable pursuant to applicable laws governing intelligence operations. 7. IISS takes the opportunity to advice citizens about their patriotic responsibility to protect sensitive national security information from unauthorized disclosure which undermines our national security. 8. The attention of all security operatives and persons with access to classified security information and intelligence is drawn to Section 45 of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2020 (Act 1030) relating to unauthorized disclosure of information and identity. Subsection 1: “Subject to the Constitution and to section 43, a person shall not disclose any information obtained by that person or to which that person had access in the performance of functions under this Act or to which that person had access in the administration or enforcement of this Act and from which there can be inferred the identity of any other person who is or was a confidential source of information or assistance to the intelligence agency, or a person who is or was an employee engaged in intelligence activities of the intelligence agencies. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than ten years. 9. IISS also re-iterates its continuous call for a review of the recruitment regime that facilitates the entry of undesirable persons into the security and intelligence services, whose employment in these sensitive employment poses threat to national security. 10. The Ministry of National Security and the National Intelligence Services should ensure that persons seeking employment into sensitive establishments are subjected to comprehensive vetting and background checks, while undertaking continuous vetting of employees to rid the security system of undesirable elements. 11. The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security remains committed to upholding high ethical and professional standards in the intelligence and national security domain. As an independent professional, non-partisan non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and professionalization within the field of intelligence and national security, IISS since its establishment continues to build capacity of security operatives and corporate organizations in intelligence disciplines for the advancement of our national security and defence of the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Ghana. 12. IISS seeks to proactively play a leading role in advancing the course of professionalizing the practice of intelligence and national security, with the objective of building confidence and recognized standards of competence in the conduct of national security intelligence. 13. The Institute seeks to champion the agenda of building highly skilled and trained national security and intelligence professionals for the public good. 14. The Institute does not engage in espionage, covert, clandestine or subversive activity or any intelligence operation in support of any person or organization, both within or outside Ghana in furtherance of the unlawful political objective or other motivation of that person or organization, except research, training and advocacy. The Institute however undertakes Open-Source (OSINT) intelligence research and analysis on issues of national security interest and alerts relevant agencies on threats to peace, security and stability of our beloved country. Issued in Accra: 05/06/2022 Signed: Nana Dr. Sadiq Adu-Twum Ag. Director END
IISS Trains Pentecost University Journalism Students.
The Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) has trained 20 Students of the Department of Communication Studies of the Pentecost University on principles of investigation and intelligence gathering. The training forms part of the institute’s corporate social responsibility toward building the capacity of relevant stakeholders in intelligence gathering, investigations and analysis to advance the course of safeguarding national security. The head of the Department of Communication Studies, Mrs Miriam Annan noted that the training could not have come at a better time than this era of emerging threats of terrorism and violent extremists, whereby every individual must be concerned about the issue of safety and security. She further charged the journalism students to be more serious, especially with the acquisition of investigative journalism skills to contribute to the maintenance of peace, security and stability. The Acting Director of the institute who is also a lecturer at the University, Nana Dr Sadiq Adu-Twum said it is imperative to provide a better understanding of crime and criminal analytical skills to would-be journalists to be able to help weed the various rots in society including the much talked about phenomena of coorruption. The training was facilitated by Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr Godwyll Addison, a senior law enforcement officer, and also a senior instructor of the IISS Department of Training and Development. Source: IISS Communication Bureau
Press Release – IISS APPOINTS NANA DR. SADIQ ADU-TWUM AS ACTING DIRECTOR
The Governing Board of the Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security (IISS) has appointed Nana Dr. Sadiq Adu-Twum as Acting Director effective 1st January, 2022. The Acting Director who is also the Nkosuahene of Gomoa Mangoase Traditional Area in the Central Region, is a retired Naval Officer of the Ghana Armed Forces and currently Lecturer at the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies (ISDES) and the Pentecost University, Ghana. His new position follows the appointment of the former Director of the Institute, Mr. Moses Jatuat as Country Security Advisor to German Development Corporation (GIZ-Ghana). Mr. Moses Jatuat, Co-founder and former Director IISS, is a specialist Security Consultant in National Security Intelligence. He was Director IISS from 2019 to 2021 and currently Deputy National Project Co-ordinator for Ghana Security Assessment Project which is a Government-CSO project aimed at contributing to Ghana’s National Security Early Warning and Response Framework outlined in National Security Strategy, 2020. In a related development, Mr. Noah Fiadu-Kpogli, an Analyst in the Department of Research and Analysis has been appointed as Acting Director Communication. Mr. Fiadu-Kpogli will in addition to his role as Analyst, head IISS Communication Bureau. All stakeholders, media and the general public are to note these changes accordingly. SIGNED:Victoria Jatuat (Ms)Secretary to BoardInstitute for Intelligence and Strategic Security
