Accra, Oct. 13, GNA - Security Watch Africa, an organisation that creates awareness about security issues, on Tuesday announced an award scheme for organisations and individuals who have contributed positively towards peace and security in Africa.

It has also scheduled a lecture on security issues for Friday October 30, 2009 in Ghana, where experts would discuss security issues on the continent.

Mr Patrick Agbambu, Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa, addressing a press conference in Accra said "We realise the need to articulate more about our collective security challenges and work out measures to surmount them and obstacles to Africa's economic advancement". The two events on the theme: "Peace and Security: Panacea to Sustainable Development in West Africa," will emphasise the need for African countries to institute mechanisms that would help the continent achieve relative peace and security for the people. Mr Agbambu said the events in their fifth and sixth editions had in the past been held in Nigeria with participation from other African countries, and that Ghana was the first country outside Nigeria to host the events. Expected dignitaries for this year's events include Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ghana's Electoral Commission, Ghana's private sector and civil society actors. Others are delegations from Nigeria, The Gambia and representatives from the police services of various West African countries.