Spain awards Ghanaian army chief with highest Police Award for fight against terrorism

The Minister of Interior of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has recognized Brigadier General Timothy Tifucro Ba-Taa-Banah of the Ghana Army with Spain’s highest Police Award, the White Cross to the Police Merit.

Ba-Taa-Banah was honored for his exceptional contributions to security provision and international cooperation. Serving as Director of Ghana’s Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre and Director of Operations at the Ministry of National Security, Ba-Taa-Banah received the award on September 12, 2023, and was formally presented with it on April 4, 2024, by Spain’s Ambassador to Ghana, Javier Guiterrez, at the ambassador’s residence in Accra, according to Ghana Peace Journal.

The Police Merit, Spain’s highest police award, as per Spanish decrees dating back to 1943 and 1964, is awarded by the Minister of Interior of Spain in recognition of exceptional service in security and international cooperation.

Speaking at the special ceremony, Ghana’s Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said the honor accorded Ba-Taa-Banah is not only a testament to his stellar leadership but also the work the ministry has also been doing.

He stressed that while the recognition is for Ba-Taa-Banah’s work, it also acknowledges the efforts of the Ministry as a whole. Kan-Dapaah emphasized the importance of having capable officers like Ba-Taa-Banah leading critical assets within the Ministry.

“An institution is only as good as the officers who work there, and I am delighted that we have someone like the Brigadier General to be in charge of that very essential asset”, he added.

Kan-Dapaah stressed the crucial role of government in providing essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He noted, however, that among these, security is paramount, as without it, societal functions falter.

He pointed out examples in the West African sub-region where despite impressive physical infrastructure, lack of peace has undermined citizens’ ability to benefit from government services.

The Minister singled out chieftaincy as a major obstacle to the internal peace of the West African nation and emphasized that terrorism poses the most significant threat to the country externally.

“One may not think much of it, but it probably should be that Ghana is doing something right about security, which others have not done. I personally think it is a result of the quality personnel in charge of security against terrorism; and talking about counterterrorism in Ghana today, there is none other than Brig Gen Ba-Taa-Banah, who is responsible for that”, Kan-Dapaah asserted.

The Ghanaian National Security Minister congratulated Ba-Taa-Banah on behalf of the Ghanaian government, affirming Spain’s decision to honor him as rightful. He expressed confidence that Ghanaians would eventually recognize Ba-Taa-Banah’s contributions, particularly in safeguarding Ghana against terrorism while neighboring countries have faced attacks.

Ba-Taa-Banah, upon receiving the award, credited the diligent staff of the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre of the Ministry of National Security for their collective effort in ensuring Ghana’s and the sub-region’s safety, thus contributing to global security.