A USA-based Ghanaian security expert Johnny K. Sam has lauded the National Security Minister Mr. Francis Poku, for his role in stabilizing the security of the country in the face of imminent danger.

“A nation without excellent security can never advance any economic targets and development”, he told The Sun in an exclusive interview.

According to Macon, Georgia based security expert, a careful study of the developments in Ghana in recent times indicates that the Minister (Mr. Francis Poku)deserves tons of commendation, he told The Sun in a chat at the weekend. According to Mr. Sam, even though there were some initial set-backs when the NPP took over in 2000, through the hard work and foresight of the National Security Minister and other security agents, Ghana has continued to breath bouts of air of freedom needed to pilot the economy to high heights as evidence. “Without stability and good security there can never be freedom and justice which are important cardinal principles of democracy,” he observed.

He noted that Ghanaians must appreciate what they have and build upon it. He therefore appealed to the citizenry to develop what he termed security consciousness to help sustain the stability of the state.

“Security agents are not magicians who have to look into the sky and find solutions to problems. They work with leads and informants and as good citizens; people must be bold to expose bad characters in the society to security agents.

He noted that, information available indicates that under the current government a lot of disgruntled claimants who were burnt on toppling the government and destroying the nation’s young democracy had been smoked out for the nation to enjoy uninterrupted democracy.

“We must praise people where praises are due. Also, every Ghanaian should be proud that the nation is situated within the West African trouble spot, is able to stand out clear among her sister countries in the peace and stability comparison. Some of us were much concerned about the security of Ghana because of Dr. Limman’s (PNP)experience in 1980, when after handing over power the immediate past president turned round to steal from the choice of the public”, he complained.

According to him, Ghanaians must count their blessings that the country still enjoys democracy under President J.A. Kufuor because of the hard work of security agencies and their leaders.

“If you have a man who understands security matters like the minister of National Security coupled with support from his subordinates and entire Ghanaians, there is always no cause for alarm,” he said.

Rounding off, Mr. Sam urged security agents and agencies not to allow success chalked so far to go into their heads, but strive to attain total stability by doing everything possible to stay on top of security matters always.