Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Commonwealth member states, especially the United Kingdom, to deepen cooperation in tackling growing global instability and insecurity.
Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies at Parliament House in Accra, Mr. Bagbin said the world was currently facing profound uncertainty that required countries with shared values to work together.
“It is only when people enjoy security and stability that development becomes meaningful,” he stated.
He stressed the need for nations to remain united in addressing global challenges, noting that peace and security were essential for sustainable development.
“We are having a different era in which the uncertainties are becoming too profound, and we encourage you to keep moving together,” he said.
The delegation, made up of senior security experts from nine countries, was led by Sir George Norton. The team is in Ghana to study security challenges and opportunities while exchanging experiences with Ghanaian institutions and Commonwealth partners.
Mr. Bagbin said the timing of the delegation’s visit highlighted the seriousness of the current global security climate and underscored the need for stronger collaboration among Commonwealth countries.
“There is no need to split, and we still need to work together. I am happy with the recent experience that Europe seems to be getting closer to Africa than before,” he noted.
Referring to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the Speaker said countries should not wait for crises before recognising the importance of cooperation.
“We do not need to learn the bitter lesson of the UK exiting the European Union before we work together because we are one and the same people,” he added.
Mr. Bagbin also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence, warning that emerging technologies could significantly impact employment and security operations.
“If you do not do that, before you realise many of you will be unemployed. Security will not use human intervention but AI,” he cautioned.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Sir George Norton explained that the Royal College of Defence Studies focuses on preparing senior security officials for strategic leadership and decision-making.
“Our focus is at the grand strategic level and it is really about understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the world and how we might best address them,” he said.
The Royal College of Defence Studies, founded in 1927 as the Imperial Defence College, trains senior military officers, diplomats, civil servants and international partners for leadership roles in defence and international security.
Source: GNA
