The Ministry of National Security has ramped up its ‘See something, say something’ campaign in the border communities of the Upper East Region.
This regional initiative aims to raise awareness among residents about personal security and activities that may compromise community safety. It also encourages active participation in safeguarding and maintaining national security.
Mrs. Akosua Danquah Ntim Sekyere, leader of the campaign team, highlighted the importance of citizen involvement in complementing government efforts for national security. She stated, “National security is a shared responsibility. We want to sensitize members of border communities to remain vigilant and promptly share any information on suspicious activities or individuals with security agencies or by calling the toll-free number (999). This collective effort is crucial, especially considering recent events in neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso.”
Mrs. Ntim Sekyere addressed residents in various districts of the region, emphasizing the need to identify and report suspicious characters, even among refugees entering the region. She cautioned, “It’s challenging to determine someone’s intentions just by looking at them, even if they have refugee status. Our public education aims to raise awareness among citizens about the risks associated with the influx of refugees and their roles in safeguarding national security.”
Expressing concern over prank calls to the emergency call centre, Mrs. Ntim Sekyere urged everyone to refrain from such actions and only use the toll-free number (999) to report genuine suspicions.
She remarked, “Among the daily calls received, prank calls significantly outnumber valid calls, which is a worrisome trend.”
She emphasized that the campaign is a national duty devoid of political affiliations and called upon traditional leaders and community members to actively contribute to safeguarding national security.
Residents were encouraged to establish effective communication channels with community leaders and security agencies, fostering openness and information sharing.
They were urged to report individuals displaying signs of radicalization or engaging in unusual behaviour.
Traditional leaders in the border communities commended the government for launching the initiative and urged for improved border security measures, including the addressing of unauthorized routes. They pledged their unwavering support to ensure peace and stability within their communities and the entire region.
It is worth noting that the flagship campaign, launched by the Ministry of National Security last year, has already been implemented in the Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta regions.
This campaign will be replicated in the remaining twelve regions, aiming to create a safer environment by increasing awareness and encouraging proactive involvement in countering potential security threats.
