Let’s Awaken Consciousness About Safety And Security Measures In The Citizenry – Security Analyst

Samuel Nana Appiah, a security analyst has called on national security to awaken the consciousness about safety and security measures in the citizenry to counter-terror attacks as some neighbouring countries are being attacked recently, he made these known in an interview on plan B Fm morning show with Ohene Addo.

Mr Appiah stressed that security personnel at various Worship centres churches and mosques don’t have any security background and there is a need for the National Security to train them to get the intelligence to detect danger also CCTV camera installation and private security should be engaged to help “but in the fight of terrorism CCTV camera doesn’t have any serious effect and private security don’t have in-depth of security mechanism” he stated.

He continued that, there is a misconception that terrorists can be detected by their appearance or how they dressed but he cautioned the public that they shouldn’t be deceived by dressing because modern-day terrorists dress executively.

Mr Appiah was reacting to The Ministry of National Security’s urging all religious groups in the country to institute security measures in their places of worship.

The Ministry explained that this is given the growing threat of terrorism in the subregion, and the expansionist drive of terrorist groups towards the coastal West-African States, with a

renewed modus operandi of targeting public gatherings, including places of worship.

The Ministry in a statement said, although it is collaborating with the relevant State Security and Intelligence Agencies to institute measures to avert terrorist attacks in the country, it is imperative that these religious groups also enhance security, “, particularly in areas where mass gatherings are conducted.”

“These measures may include, but are not limited to, the installation of CCTV cameras at designated places of worship, and engaging the services of approved Private security guards, among others.”

The Ministry assured of its unbridled commitment to the security of all citizens.

“Although the above directive has become necessary, the Ministry of National Security assures you of our continuous resolve to institute measures aimed at safeguarding the peace and security of the country.”

The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism in its latest report warned that Ghana is at high risk of terrorism following pockets of civil, political, and social unrest in parts of the West African subregion.

It said threats of violent extremism are heavily descending towards coastal states from the Sahel regions and that Ghana may not be spared, for that matter, given happenings in its neighbouring countries.

Factors such as chieftaincy and ethnic disputes, land conflicts, marginalization of vulnerable groups, and high youth unemployment make Ghana very susceptible to threats of terrorism, the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism noted.