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
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
Our approach to National Security is taking a paradigm shift
Minister for National Security The Minister for National Security, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah has indicated that there is a shift in how national security is conducted, with the coming into being of the National Security Policy that embraces all segments of society towards safeguarding peace and security. He observed that issues such as human security, climate change and health were key national security issues. Mr. Kan Dapaah made these observations at a security briefing by a team of security experts currently conducting Assessment of State of Ghana’s Security. The presentation of findings of a study on State and Societal Security was conducted by Principal Investigator, Dr. Ishmael Norman and Co-Principal Investigator Mr. Moses Jatuat. Present at the briefing was Deputy National Security Co-ordinator, Mr. Edward Asomani, Technical Director at the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Ben Dere and a team of experts from the ministry. Findings bothered on issues such as Personal and Community Security, Emergency and Medical Response, Security Vulnerabilities, National capability to respond to threats such as terrorism and violent crimes including armed robberies, kidnapping, rape etc. The team of experts from the Ministry of National Security led by the Hon.Minister expressed satisfaction with the project as findings will help in the Ministry’s plans and strategies in safeguarding peace and security of the country. The Minister called for close collaboration with the Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security led by Mr. Jatuat and Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies led by Dr. Norman to conduct yearly security assessment as a way of providing the Ministry effective feedback to support in security planning and response to security threats. On his part, Principal Investigator, Dr. Ishmael Norman assured the minister of the Project’s commitment to supporting the ministry in bridging the gap between security managers and the population by providing useful perspective of citizen appreciation of security. Source: IISS Communication Bureau
Review security arrangements for VVIPs – Security Analyst
A Security Analyst and Director of the Institute for Intelligence and Strategic Security, Moses Jatuat has called on the Ministry of National Security to revise the security arrangements for high-profile personalities in the country. In an interview with A1 Radio, he noted that the National Security Council Secretariat should establish an elite unit comprising highly trained police and NIB operatives to provide security rather than the use of the military. The Director cited the case of the US where such function was performed by the Secret Service. He however cautioned the excessive use of the military in internal affairs, noting that the current security atmosphere required the military to put on operational readiness to respond to external threats and support civil authorities such as police and other law enforcement agencies when necessary. Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1|Ghana
ISSAPR holds training on elections and security for security agencies and media
The Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research (ISSAPR), a civil society organization and security think tank in collaboration with Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peacebuilding has held a one-day northern sector training and capacity building programme on Election and Security Management for media, security agencies and political party representatives to build their capacities in monitoring and reporting on elections and security related issues. The training program is part of ISSAPR’s nationwide training activities for stakeholders including the media, security agencies, political parties, chiefs, opinion leaders and the youth towards ensuring peace before, during and after the 2020 elections. Participants drawn from various media houses and security agencies including police, prisons, immigration, BNI were taken through topics such as elections and conflicts in Africa, role of media in security and peace building during elections, political patronage and electoral violence and internal security and election monitoring. In a welcome address, Director of Research and Policy Analysis at the Institute, Mr. Moses Jatuat underscored the need for the media and security agencies to exhibit high level of professionalism in the discharge of their functions so as to maintain the existing peace and stability of the region and Ghana as a whole, and was hopeful the training which is being held throughout the country will equip the stakeholders with the necessary skills to provide excellent public service on election and security coverage as the nation inches into the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections. He charged security agencies and media to collaborate and ensure the best interest of the public is served. The chairman of the event, Alhaji Razak Saani, northern regional director, NCCE commended ISSAPR and Jatikay Center for organizing the workshop in Tamale and emphasized the need for citizen participation in the democratic governance of the country and that the prevalence of freedom and inclusiveness were key to a free democratic society. On her part, Madam Janet Chigabatia of the National Peace Council called for citizens to co-exist peacefully and use appropriate means to address disputes. She further expressed the NPC’s continuous efforts in engaging with all stakeholders in ensuring peace before, during and after the general elections. Mr. Lucas Yieyel, Ag. The Regional Director of the Electoral Commission assured the public of the ECs mandate to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He also indicated that the Electoral Commission will be undertaking a two-day exhibition exercise in September and urged the public to participate in the exercise so as to compile a credible register for the upcoming 2020 general elections. A representative of the regional police commander, Chief Supt. Issifu Tank Iddrissu assured the public of maximum security during the election processes, adding that the Tamale Metropolitan Election Security Taskforce has mapped out strategies to effectively address security threats from identified conflict hotspots and violence-prone areas in the area. Present at the event were the Northern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Alhaji Razak Saani, Acting Northern Regional Director of Electoral Commission, Mr. Lucas Yieyel, representative of National Peace Council, Madam Janet Chigabatia, representative of the Northern regional house of chiefs Kasulana Naa Yakubu Bukari, Vicar-General of the Tamale Catholic Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Yitiereh, Northern regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdul Salam, Head of Ahmaddiya Mission in Tamale, Maulvi Omar Abdul Hakeem, representative of regional police commander, Chief Supt. Issifu Tanko Iddrissu, Northern regional Public Relations Officer of Prisons, DSP David Afatsawu, Officer-In-charge of Tamale Female Prisons, DSP Doris Ameku and Head of enforcement at northern regional immigration command ASI Joseph Sosu. Facilitators of the training event included Mr. Sadiq Adu-twum, Executive Director of the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, Mr. Moses Jatuat, Director of Research and Policy Analysis at the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, Mr. Adib Saani, Executive Director of Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peacebuilding, and Mr. Albert Yelyang, National Network Co- ordinator of West African Network for Peacebuilding, WANEP-Ghana. Participants at the event expressed satisfaction with the training and called on ISSAPR to organize more of such programmes in issues of conflict, peace security. Source: GhanaWeb
Media urged to promote national cohesion ahead of elections
Wa, Nov. 14, GNA – Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister has appealed to the media to promote national cohesion and peace-building before, during, and after the December 7 elections. By this, he admonished the media to desist from carrying reports that would divide and threaten the peace of the country, saying, “It is a truism that the media can make or destroy this country”, therefore the need for the media to be circumspect in their reportage. Dr Bin Salih made the appeal to the media in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Gilbert Nuuri-teg, the Regional Coordinating Director during the opening of a workshop on election and security for regional stakeholders towards a peaceful 2020 general elections. The programme, a collaborative venture between Aman Centre for Democracy, Security, and Counter-Terrorism in Africa (ACDS-Africa) and Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peace-building is part of nationwide capacity building activities for relevant stakeholders including the media, security agencies, political parties, chiefs and youth groups towards peaceful 2020 elections. Dr Bin Salih noted that the training would undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDG 16), which was aimed at ensuring peace, justice, and strong accountable democratic institutions for security, stability, and national cohesion. He said Ghana had a record of holding several successful Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in the Fourth Republic without any major incident, adding that this had no doubt earned the country respect from the international community. “Even in cases where there were issues with the election results, the aggrieved parties and individuals resorted to the law courts and not violence to resolve their grievances”, he said and stressed that they needed to sustain the record. The Regional Minister whilst admonishing relevant stakeholders to play their various roles effectively to ensure successful and peaceful elections, also assured that the Regional Security Council would put in place adequate security measures to ensure peaceful political campaigns leading to peaceful polls in the region on December 7. Mr Moses Jatuat, Director, Research and Policy Analysis, ACDS-Africa, noted that issues of elections were becoming a serious threat to the security and civility of nations across the globe of which Ghana was not an exception. He, therefore, added that efforts such as the training of stakeholders allowed them to redouble efforts towards consolidating the democratic gains chalked by the nation. Delivering a presentation on the topic “Role of the media in Security and Peace-building during elections”, Mr Adib Saani, Executive Director, Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peace-building admonished the media to be very mindful in conflict-sensitive reporting to protect social cohesion. He said the practice of engaging in sensationalism to sell had the potential to cause social disintegration and therefore encouraged media houses to prioritize the general good of society over the interest of the media house. “When wrong, eat the humble pie, retract and apologize”, Mr Saani advised. “In this election, accuracy, fairness, balanced and responsible reportage is highly important and the media must therefore desist from relying on unofficial sources for election results adding that verification of information on social media was extremely key to avoid misinformation”. Source: Ghana News Agency
Ejura shooting incident committee report: A case of intelligence failure or lack of intelligence co-ordination.
Analytical Perspective on Ghana’s Intelligence Management Practices September 28, 2021. The increasing demand for valuable intelligence in support of law enforcement and conduct of national security and diplomacy requires adequate investments in building intelligence capability to counter threats to peace and security. While many countries continue to initiate reforms to position their security services in response to emerging threats, issue of intelligence management continue to pose challenge to national security managers. In assessing this subject in relation to the employment of intelligence as security management tool in some notable violent incidents in the country, I have examined reports of the Ejura Shooting Committee and Ayawaso West Wuogon Shooting Commission reports. It is worth noting that in both instances, the said operations that led to injuries and/or deaths and destruction of properties were said to have been intelligence-led, bringing to question the value or quality of intelligence available to security managers and the instruments used in dealing with the threats identified. Indeed, the Ayawaso Commission, like the Ejura Committee could not establish the existence of any intelligence as basis for operational deployments, and also lack of co-ordination among heads of security agencies and among field operatives. The Ejura Committee makes interesting findings about lack of co-ordination of security activites among the various actors, police, military, and Regional Security Council (REGSEC), leading to the escalated violence that claimed lives and properties. Of critical importance are findings No. 21, 22 and 23 bothering on information of possible violence and how that information was handled to avert the occurrence. While the committee doubted such intelligence was available to the district security authorities, it also found that there was no co-ordination of security activities, leading to the shootings. It is clear from the evidence of the security chiefs at the district and regionals levels ie District Police Commander, Deputy Regional Police Commander, Regional Security Liaison Officer and Regional Minister (Chairman of REGSEC), that there was no professional handling on information and/or intelligence if any at all was available. This finding is further re-enforced by media pronouncements of the regional minister of having personally ordered the deployment of the military to Ejura based on his own intelligence received from undisclosed sources in Ejura. The national security architecture as elaborated in Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030) makes REGSECs and DISECs part of the national security management structures. The Act makes these bodies responsible for pre-empting breaches to peace and security, and taking appropriate measures to safeguard security at the regional and district levels. Like the National Security Council, REGSECs and DISECs have representations from the various security agencies with the regional ministers and district chief executives as chairpersons. In same manner as the President has at his disposal intelligence and security advice from the National Security Council through the National Security Co-ordinator and inputs from members of the Council, same is expected of the regional minister and DCE. It is instructive to note that the role played by the Bureau of National Intelligence (NIB) which is the primary domestic intelligence organization was lost on the committee as neither the District Officer NIB nor the Regional Commander NIB was invited to testify. These officers are key in terms of providing early warning information and intelligence to DISEC and REGSEC on developments that pose threats to peace and security of their areas of commands. It was therefore expected that NIB intelligence would have been fed to DISEC and REGSEC on planned violence by youth of the area to enable the needed action by the appropriate agency. It is therefore strange in the scheme of things that the Chairman of REGSEC claimed publicly in the media and in his evidence before the committee that he personally ordered the deployment of military and that he relied on ‘intelligence’ received from his own undisclosed sources in Ejura. This is condemnable and affront to established standards in security management, where it was expected that REGSEC will have provided him with advice based on professional intelligence analysis and security assessment by the appropriate security agency and inputs from professional representatives on REGSEC. It is normal in practice that in operational circumstances quick decisions are taken to direct enforcement action, and the intelligence system should be well placed to handle such situations rather than the regional minister relying on unevaluated intelligence sources to take such critical decision as use of military in quelling civil disorder. It is without doubt, based on the committee’s findings that REGSEC at that instance collapsed, leaving the regional minister to rely on his own non-professional intelligence assessment in intervening in the Ejura disturbances, further worsening the situation and this calls for grave concern. A further demonstration of weak intelligence and security co-ordination is the undefined role of government appointed Regional Security Liaison Officer (Regional Security Co-ordinator) whose position within the national security management structure is still vague. While the National Security Co-ordinator who is head of the security and intelligence community, has control over the NIB and other national intelligence agencies such as the Research Department (foreign intelligence agency) and National Signals Bureau (communication and signal intelligence agency) to whom these agencies submit intelligence reports, the Regional Security Co-ordinator in practice has no such power over the Regional Commander NIB. This makes the Regional Security Co-ordinator bereft of actual intelligence reports except briefings provided by Regional Commander NIB at REGSEC sittings. In his evidence before the committee, the Regional Security Co-ordinator detailed his functions as collecting and transmitting intelligence to National Security Council Secretariat through sources he cultivates in the districts. It is evident from these revelations that there is duplication of collection functions at the regional level such that the Regional Commander NIB, Regional Security Co-ordinator and Regional Minister independently collect and disseminate intelligence. The disjointed relationship between the Regional Security Co-ordinator and regional minister is an anomaly that needs to be rectified. In addition to this, is the fact that the Regional Security Co-ordinator does not have power over the Regional Commander NIB unlike
