Major General Kotia Calls for African-Led Security Initiatives The three-day 13th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2026) kicked off in Accra, Ghana, with Major General Emmanuel Wekem Kotia(Rtd) as its chairperson. Opening the symposium under the theme 'Strengthening African Security Through Innovation and Inclusion', Major General Kotia called for stronger African-led security initiatives, driven by collaboration among governments, security institutions, the private sector, civil society, and academia.

Africa's security challenges have become increasingly complex and interconnected, according to Major General Kotia. He said that through innovation and inclusive partnerships, the continent can find practical solutions to its evolving security challenges. The symposium brought together delegates from across Africa and beyond to discuss security challenges such as counter-terrorism, cyber resilience, climate-related insecurity, and border security.

Major General Kotia said that Ghana's credentials as a host of the symposium make it a fitting location for this discussion. He described Ghana as a beacon of democratic stability and regional leadership, with a long history of contributions to international peacekeeping and a growing technology and innovation sector.

Andrew Dowell, the Managing Director of the Africa Security Symposium, expressed his gratitude to Major General Kotia for guiding discussions on national-security priorities, border governance, counter-terrorism, peace operations, cyber resilience, climate-driven insecurity, and humanitarian coordination. The 13th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2026) was co-organised with the African Union Commission's Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).

The Africa Security Symposium (ASEC) is a continental platform that brings together policymakers, military and security leaders, diplomats, academics, civil society organisations, and development partners to discuss emerging security challenges facing Africa. The symposium serves as a forum for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and policy engagement, with participants exploring practical and innovative approaches to addressing issues such as terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, maritime security, border management, governance, and peace-building.

Ghana, as a leader in regional stability, is expected to contribute significantly to this discussion, especially given its role in hosting the symposium. With its long history of peacekeeping contributions, Ghana is well-positioned to share its expertise in shaping a more secure and resilient future for the continent.

"the security challenges of Africa are complex and interconnected, but so too are our strengths, innovations, and shared aspirations."

  • Major General Kotia(Rtd)

Key Facts

  • The 13th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2026) is a three-day event held in Accra, Ghana.
  • Major General Emmanuel Wekem Kotia(Rtd) is the chairperson of the symposium.
  • The symposium aims to strengthen African security through innovation and inclusive partnerships.
  • Delegates from across Africa and beyond are attending the symposium.
  • The event is organised by the Africa Security Symposium, in collaboration with the African Union Commission's Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).