The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned against the increasingly powerful influence of misinformation and disinformation on national development, especially as the nation heads towards Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December.

He has therefore called on all stakeholders, including the Military and other security agencies, to be alert and vigilant to avoid falling for fake and misleading material that could lead to unnecessary actions.

Speaking at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Armed Forces Command And Staff College Course 45 and the Master Of Science In Defence And International Politics in Accra on Friday, August 23, 2024 Vice President Bawumia praised the Ghana Armed Forces for their role in ensuring Ghana’s democracy is the model for the subregion, and charged them to zealously protect this hard-won reputation.

“This year marks another year where Ghanaians will go to the polls to choose a leader and representatives to parliament. Over the years, regardless of their free and fair nature, our elections have been fraught with security challenges and have in some instances, resulted in fatalities.

“In the Fourth Republic, governments have always depended on your professionalism, discipline and resolve to discharge your duties without fear or favour. However, we find ourselves in an era of intense misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeted at both the civil populace, you the Armed Forces and the government.

“We must understand that these acts do not only have the potential to throw the Country into a state of anarchy but also impact on the wider security of the West African Region. I encourage you particularly after being given a detailed insight into the democratic control of the military, to dwell on the teachings to conduct yourselves professionally. It is imperative to ensure that stability and the tenets of democracy are upheld always,” he stated.

Citing the ever evolving nature of warfare and conflict, especially in the West Africa subregion Vice President Bawumia, who is also Chairman of the Police Council, commended the Control Board, the Military High Command, and the Management of the College for introducing courses at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College which reflect the changing times.

“As we know, the world has been experiencing a continuous shift in global power dynamics and security over the years. It is clearly far less predictable today than it was decades ago… In this regard, it is evident that the scope of warfare and security threats have equally changed and will continue to evolve from the traditional means and medium to a more complex structure. The tactics of these actors such as violent extremist groups have changed from invasions in large groups to surgical strikes targeting key national infrastructure using cheap modified first person view kamikaze drones that are highly lethal aside other equally fatal approaches.

“Similarly, misinformation and disinformation activities have equally become the order of the day, generating support for them and disaffection towards the established central government. It is in this regard that the introduction of the Multi-Domain Operations module in the College curriculum is not only timely but pivotal in inculcating in the Graduands critically needed exposure to contemporary soldiering and arming them with the much-needed knowledge in developing counter measures and providing the keystone training concepts needed in combating such threats. Through this, we can equally position the Armed Forces, Sister Security agencies and allied armed forces to better defend Ghana and our respective friendly countries effectively,” he emphasized.

The Vice President urged the graduates, drawn from 17 countries including Ghana, to harness the insights gained during the course and the relationships forged with colleagues from different parts of the continent to work collaboratively to protect the peace and security of Africa and the world.

“I am of the firm belief that the modules and seminars you have been taken through have provided you with the platform to engage and build relationships that traverse beyond our borders. Therefore, you must understand the importance of collaborative efforts in realizing national security objectives or operational goals. These further shed light on the essence of joint operations as well as the key roles allies, multi-national agencies, sister security agencies and governmental organisations play in achieving set objectives.

“I encourage you to take advantage of the relationship you have established and capitalize on it for enhanced co-operation. Furthermore, I urge you to use the knowledge gained to make a meaningful impact as you go out to take positions that are vital to the progress of the Ghana Armed Forces, your militaries and institutions.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

On August 23, commencing at 7:00 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a working dinner with Honourable Mr. Ronald LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The overview is as follows.

Introduction
(1) At the outset, Minister Kamikawa congratulated Minister Lamola on the formation of South Africa’s government of national unity and his appointment as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and expressed her hope to work together on the challenges facing the international community with South Africa, an important partner with which Japan shares fundamental values and principles and has built up cooperation in a wide range of fields, and which will hold the G20 Presidency from December this year.
(2) In response, Minister Lamola stated that he is pleased to visit Japan and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity of this TICAD Ministerial Meetingwhere we can hold various discussions and hoped to work together with Minister Kamikawa to further develop the friendly relations between the two countries.
Bilateral Relations
(1) Minister Kamikawa stated that South Africa is a hub for Japanese companies to do business in Africa and she would like to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the power and energy sectors, which form the basis of economic activity. Minister Kamikawa also introduced the installation of a system of the officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs who support initiatives by Japanese companies from the perspective of the importance of network building. In response, Minister Lamola expressed his gratitude for Japanese cooperation towards the decarbonization of South Africa, including technical cooperation, and expressed strong expectations for Japanese companies which are creating many jobs to further expand into South Africa. Minister Lamola also expressed his delight at the lifting of the ban on avocado export from South Africa to Japan and expressed his hope to promote high-level visits between two countries, utilizing the Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum.
(2) Minister Kamikawa stated that it is indispensable to maintain and develop a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law as the countries that both face Indo-Pacific Ocean and stated her hope to explore areas where both countries can cooperate, such as freedom of navigation and the promotion of the blue economy. In response, Minister Lamola expressed his hope for the reinforcement of cooperation in Indo-Pacific Ocean, utilizing frameworks including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Cooperation in the International Arena
Minister Kamikawa stated that the G20 has a major role to play as the international community faces complex crises and development challenges become increasingly complicated and that she would welcome it that African voices will be reflected more than ever in the G20 chaired by South Africa, which will begin from December this year. In response, Minister Lamola stated that Africa’s role in the international community has been increasing in recent years, including the AU’s full membership of the G20, while explaining the areas of focus as the G20 Presidency. Two Ministers confirmed that the two countries would continue to work together looking ahead to the TICAD 9 and the G20 in South Africa scheduled in next year.
In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on such issues as the United Nations Security Council reform, the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the regional situation in East Asia, such as dealing with North Korea including the abductions issue.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 23, commencing at 12:00 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, hosted a working lunch at the Iikura Guest House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inviting 5 female ministers of the participating countries of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, for approximately 65 minutes. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that the power of women is essential for solving social issues in Africa, and for peace, stability, and economic growth. She also expressed her intention to expand individual initiatives on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) into an integrated effort, and to apply them to the whole of Africa and to the global stage.
As the first step, Minister Kamikawa announced the launch of a new program for human resource development for peace in Africa, based at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in order to foster the youth that will lead the peace in Africa at the regional level.
The participants remarked that, because of its historical background, Africa is the region that understands the importance of WPS the most and is the region where WPS efforts are most advanced.
Each participant then actively shared their own initiatives regarding women’s participation in governance and peace activities, start-ups and women entrepreneurs, and the realization of equal numbers of women and men in parliaments and government departments. They stated that cooperation with Japan is essential for the further development of the country in the future.
Finally, Minister Kamikawa and the participants confirmed that today’s discussion provided a good basis for discussions on women at the TICAD Ministerial Meeting starting tomorrow, and concurred on taking this opportunity to deepen cooperation.
At the working lunch, dishes made with ingredients from various areas of Japan were served, which also provided an opportunity to showcase the diversity of food in Japan.

(Reference) participating female ministers and others (alphabetical order of name of countries and organizations)

African Union Commission: H.E. Dr. Monique NSANZABAGANWA, Deputy Chairperson
Central African Republic: H.E. Ms. Sylvie BAIPO TEMON, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad
Ghana: Hon. Ms. Shirley Ayarkor BOTCHWEY, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Senegal: H.E. Mrs. Yassine FALL, Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs
Sierra Leone: Hon. Mrs. Francess Piagie ALGHALI, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 23, commencing at 5:10 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Professor Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad of the Republic of Togo who is visiting Japan to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa paid tribute to Togo’s contribution to peace and stability in West Africa through active mediation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the three states of the Sahel Alliance. In addition, Minister Kamikawa appreciated Minister Dussey’s lecture on “Dispute Mediation and Peacebuilding in the Sahel Region” at Sophia University on August 22, noting that it was an outstanding initiative that contributes to deepening understanding of Africa in Japan.
Minister Kamikawa conveyed to Minister Dussey that Japan would like to provide cooperation for Togo, which serves as a logistics and transportation hub in the West African region, and contribute to strengthening regional connectivity. In response, Minister Dussey expressed gratitude for Japan’s support and expectations for Japanese companies to expand into Togo as a regional hub.
The two ministers confirmed the further deepening of Japan-Togo relations toward TICAD 9 next year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.