By: Hannah Dadzie
A three-day in-country support facilitation workshop for the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanism, (ECO-PHISM) has opened in Accra, bringing together representatives from government ministries, civil society, ECOWAS institutions, and international partners to strengthen Ghana’s national framework for protection and human security.
The workshop, from November 12-14, seeks to deepen coordination among national stakeholders and advance implementation of Ghana’s Protection and Human Security Roadmap adopted in 2023. It will feature interactive sessions, technical presentations, and practical exercises aimed at strengthening national coordination mechanisms, enhancing the capacities of to address temporary security challenges.
In an address, the Director of National Centre for the Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM), Colonel Emmanuel Sampson, emphasized the importance of bridging the linkages between physical and human security to ensure sustainable peace and development in the sub-region.
“This workshop therefore seeks to bridge the conceptual and operational linkages between human and physical security. Sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved by addressing one without the other.” he said
Colonel Sampson indicated that the sessions will focus on reviewing national efforts, building institutional capacities, and strengthening cooperation between ECOWAS, government agencies, and development partners to promote a holistic, people-centered approach to security.
Director, Regional Integration Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of ECOWAS National Office, Ambassador Eddison Agbenyegah, commended the ECOWAS Commission for its leadership in advancing human security, noting Ghana’s progress since the first mission in 2023.
He highlighted achievements such as the establishment of specialized gender-based violence courts, reforms in child protection, and strengthened cooperation in combating human trafficking.
“This workshop offers an opportunity to assess what has progressed and to chart the next steps to ensure that all persons within Ghana are protected from a human rights-based perspective,” Ambassador Agbenyegah said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa, Program Officer in Charge of Trafficking in Persons, Olatunde Olayemi, highlighted the origins of ECO-PHISM, as a regional response to the complex and interlinked protection challenges facing vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and irregular migrants.
“The rationale of ECO-PHISM is to strengthen national early warning centers to compile and use disaggregated data on risks affecting vulnerable populations.This mechanism promotes early warning and early action, ensuring that national and regional systems are responsive to evolving threats.”he explained.
Mr. Olayemi further disclosed that the ECOWAS Commission has proposed USD 25,000 in 2026 to support Ghana’s NCCRM in implementing the national roadmap, emphasizing that sustained national funding and partner support will be crucial to the program’s long-term success.
Representatives of key development partners reaffirmed their support for the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Ghana, Ms. Paulina, the agency’s Child Protection Specialist, underscored the urgency of placing children and adolescents at the heart of human security interventions.
“Investment in children is not only a moral imperative, it is the smartest policy investment. We must ensure that child protection, social welfare, and data-driven early warning systems receive adequate resources to safeguard the most vulnerable.”she said
The UNDP Representative, Ms. Melody, reiterated the UN’s commitment to advancing a people-centered approach to peace and security, stressing that threats such as poverty, climate change, and misinformation are increasingly interconnected.
“When people feel safe, included, and empowered, societies become stronger and more peaceful. Human security is not an abstract concept, it is a practical framework that guides our shared responsibility to protect lives and build resilience.” she noted
Also addressing the opening, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, Alexander Mar Kekula, called for stronger collaboration to protect children and families from the growing impacts of climate shocks, economic instability, and displacement.
“Human security remains an unfinished agenda. Our response must go beyond emergency relief to build long-term community resilience and inclusive protection systems.” he said
Speakers reaffirmed their shared vision of a West Africa where every person enjoys freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the freedom to live with dignity, protected by resilient systems that ensure both human and physical security.
The workshop is expected to conclude with tangible commitments and an actionable plan to operationalize the coordination mechanism for enhanced protection and human security in Ghana.
