Commentary

Heighten Terror Threats in West Africa & Lessons

By Isaac Asare, a Journalist

There seem to be anxiety among the larger Ghanaian populace in the wake of heighten security tension in relation to threats of terror and violent extremism. Surging violence and insecurity orchestrated by vicious extremists operating in most West African and Saharian regions including Togo, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso give cause for neighbouring communities such as Ghana to brace itself for such similar developments and not sit aloof to be taken by storm. The country now sits on tenterhooks following constant security caution from the National Security Ministry. Ghanaians are consistently being reminded of possible terror attacks from jihad groups whose affiliation can be linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb ISIS including internal or homegrown terrorist groups. Churches, mosques and public places of entertainment often used for mass gathering have been identified as areas vulnerable to such attacks. Citizens are therefore advised to exercise caution as efforts are being deployed by the security operatives to safeguard the prevailing peace and security using security combat strategies backed by enhanced intelligence gathering.

These reg flags should not be taken with a pinch of salt but rather serve as a reminder to events in the sub-region. Gradually, the country is getting close to such disturbing events, hence the need for Ghanaians to be extra vigilant. As of December last year, mass exodus of people in Burkina Faso fled their homes for safety as more than one point four million people were displaced. According to the United Nation Associated Press and Human Right Advocates, more than three point five million people in Burkina Faso are in dire need of humanitarian assistance with nearly six hundred and thirty thousand people expected to be on the brink of starvation. unabated violence and extremism keep spreading to other jurisdictions with far reaching consequences if African governments renege in their effort to address the challenge. The stark reality is that such attacks can happen anywhere in Africa including innocent peace loving Ghana which is privileged to have enjoyed relative peace and sustainable democratic dispensation in decades. Everyone anywhere is a target. Ghanaians should not lose sight of the fact that the country’s future generation will bear the brunt of any possible attack since schools and other public institutions are likely to close down.

As these groups continue to spread their spheres of influence and cross border activities, it has become highly expedience to tread cautiously and adhere to all counter-terror precautions. Under the current economic hardship plummeted by the incident of Covid 19 and the recent Russia invasion on Ukraine, these extremists are capitalizing on this fertile group to set local groups wherever possible. Violent extremists most often hide behind ethnicity and sneak through the back door to recruit the teeming youth who are in financial distress due to unemployment. Statements from the National Security Ministry and the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism are keen on protecting the country’s territorial borders and have to this effect renewed calls for individuals and institutions to be on high alert to complement the effort of the security. The installation of CCTV cameras at churches, mosques, shopping malls and strategic installations are highly recommended. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has also cautioned Ghanaians living in the Gao Region of Northern Mali to leave the troubled area due to the series of abduction and execution of travelers especially Christians in that part of the region. The issue of terrorism and violent extremism is glaring and shoulders must be put on the wheel to avert any possible attack. It is a known fact that the country has many unapproved routes, especially the border towns. in as much as security has been beefed up in most of these transit points. However adequate measures must be applied to protect these routes as they remain open for free movement of people in the sub-region. Citizens have the onus responsibility to volunteer information to the police and other security agencies on any suspicious move by strangers. All Ghanaians must play their roles well to protect the prevailing peace and not downplay the warnings by the security agencies. Ghana cannot afford to lose a soul to terror attacks. Let all citizens strictly adhere to precautionary measures for Ghana needs everybody’s contribution for the total development of the country. To do this, Terrorism and violent extremism must be nip in the bud. Governments and the African Union Member states should fashion out moves to curtail these unfortunate happenings on the African continent.