By Dr Nana Sifa Twum, Media and Communications Consultant
Within a matter of days, the three top members of the hierarchy of governance have expressed grave concern regarding the safety and security of the country.
In a meeting with the President of the United State of America, Joe Biden.
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lamented on the attempt by some countries to destabilise the peace of the country.
He revealed that “Russian mercenaries are on our northern border. Burkina Faso and has now entered into an arrangement to go along with Mali in employing the Wagner forces there.”
President Akufo-Addo continued “I believe a mine in southern Burkina has been allocated to them as a form of payment for their services. The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso in the last 10 days has been in Moscow.”
In another development, the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has also called for effective collaboration between civilians and security agencies to combat crime and flush out criminal elements in the country.
He said for Ghanaians to maintain a safe and peaceful community, it was imperative to report suspicious characters and activities in the communities to the security agencies for a prompt response.
The Vice President reemphasized the need for citizens to be on high alert adding that “We must all be guided by the mantra: “See Something, Say Something,”.
A day after, the Speaker of Parliament Right Honourable Alban Bagbin has urged the Ministers of Defence and Interior to work hard to fortify the security of the nation. He expressed worries about the inadequacies in the allocation of budget to these ministries which according to him would hamper the effective deployment of security facilities for the country.
These are the topmost individuals from where they sit have the utmost privy to all security within the country. Their expressions and concerns, therefore, are considered legitimate and genuine. The urgent need for the government and all citizens to work together in ensuring a well safe and secure environment has been more paramount than ever,
Not long ago, Ghana was put on the alert against the backdrop of the security intelligence on a possible imminent terrorist attack on the country.
This followed the widespread terrorist attacks in the subregion in recent times. Neighbouring Togo suffered an attack when assailants stormed a security post in the northern border village of Sanloaga in November 2021.
During the same period, there was another terrorist attack in Northern Benin resulting in several deaths and injuries. between then and January this year, Benin has gone through a number of such horrible attacks, some of which could be described as the deadliest attacks with improvised explosive devices on a National Park struck. A soldier and eight Park Officers, including their French instructor, were killed and 12 others wounded.
Early this year, eleven soldiers in Côte d’Ivoire were killed with several others injured in multiple attacks in the first half of 2021. Other West African countries have had their fair share of real attacks or threats.
Terrorist groups associated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) present a threat in the region. These groups have demonstrated capability and intent by mounting attacks against security forces and civilians in several countries, most recently in Burkina Faso and Mali.
Violent extremism has escalated into the West African sub-region.
Government Spokesperson on Security and Governance, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, speaking on GTV on the matter, indicated that the activities of these terrorists are heading towards the south. This has been buttressed by the International Community with the United Kingdom alerting its citizens on travels to these areas.
This is terrifying and must be of concern to all citizens and indeed residents of this country. “Under the surface lies a covert network that ensures terrorism continues in the region. Evidence is emerging that jihadists’ activities within and through coastal states are enabling them to fund, staff and run the logistics they need to thrive.”
Terrorist attacks in Ghana therefore cannot be ruled out, especially when there are suggestions from Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah that sometime past that “intelligence reports suggest that some Ghanaians may have been involved in terrorist attacks in the Sahelian region.” Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
From the President’s engagement with his USA counterpart, it can be concluded that there is a credible terrorist threat to all countries in the sub-region. Seasons like Christmas are joyous but could also be dangerous.
Caution they say is not cowardice, even the ants march armed Wise care keeps what it has gained; Launching of terrorist awareness campaign – is very important. Let us help to keep our safety and security intact.