The Ministry of National Security has called for more public vigilance in the face of growing threats of terrorism in the West African sub-region.
Managers of public places and gatherings and the general public have been cautioned to be extra vigilant and careful about their personal and communal security.
A statement by the Minister for National Security, Kan Dapaah, appealed for heightened vigilance in areas of mass gatherings, especially at public places of entertainment and worship.
The warning follows a recent terrorist attack in neighbouring Togo that killed eight soldiers and injured many more.
The Ministry had earlier warned that places of worship like churches and mosques be well-guarded as a result of intelligence that these same terrorists are targeting such places.
Many of Ghana’s other neighbours have unfortunately suffered attacks from terrorist groups as their activities have spread from the Sahelian region towards the coastal West-African States.
Immediate neighbours, Burkina Faso and la Côte d’Ivoire have all also experienced such attacks.
According to the National Security Minister, the government recognizes the country remains a target as the security services work to keep Ghanaians safe.
“The Ministry is making a strong appeal for heightened vigilance in areas of mass gatherings, especially at public places of entertainment and worship, such as churches and mosques.”
“The employment of guards, security gadgetry and lighting of the areas surrounding the areas of public gatherings would all help, but nothing beats the vigilance of each of us individuals, taking personal responsibility and looking out for each other.”
According to Mr. Kan Dapaah, intelligence indicates terrorists operating within the region have set Ghana as a target hence the need to increase security measures and engage the public to be more careful.
He assured the security agencies and all those charged with maintaining the security of the state are working hard to ensure the safety of the country and its people and appealed for more support in this effort.
One major event that appears to have changed the global security scene was the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States by Al Qaeda terrorist group.
Although many countries across the world started putting measures in place to address the resurging global terrorist threats, West Africa seemed to have been oblivious of the need to do same until the emergence of terrorist groups like AQIM, Ansaru, Ansar Al Dine and Boko Haram.
These groups have intensified their terrorist activities in countries such as Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria, with the activities of most of these terror groups transcending national boundaries.
With the potential of Ghana becoming a target for terrorists it has become imperative for the government to establish mechanisms to prevent, counter and combat terrorism effectively.
Source: Mypublisher24.com