By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Executive Director, West Africa Center for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), Mukhtar Mumuni Muktar, has alluded that Ghana is more exposed to violent and extremism threats of terrorism now than before.
He explained that like before, almost all the neighbouring countries Ghana shares boundaries with have experienced one form of dangerous attack or the other.
Speaking to Thelma Tackie on the Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Mr. Muktar, maintained that the happenings in the immediate neighbours, Burkina Faso, La Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo expose Ghana more than before.
“Today we have about 53% of West Africa countries dealing with the threat of violent extremism terrorism. Countries which hitherto were said to be safe, are now battling with violent extremism in the sub-region” he noted.
The National Security Ministry on Tuesday, May 17 issued a statement on the recent terrorist attacks in neighbouring countries of Ghana.
Per the statement, the recent attacks in neighbouring countries like Togo, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso have made Ghana a target of extremist groups.
“The Ministry of National Security will like to draw the attention of the general public to the growing threat of terrorism in our sub-region and urge everyone to be vigilant and extra careful about their personal and community security,” the statement said.
The statement further continued by saying “Many of our neighbours have unfortunately suffered attacks from the terrorist groups as their activities have spread from the Sahelian region towards the coastal West Africa states.
Our immediate neighbours, Burkina Faso, La Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo have all experienced such attacks and we have to recognise that our country remains a target as the security services work to keep us all safe.”
The Ministry assures heightened security at public gatherings but “nothing beats the vigilance each of us individuals, taking personal responsibility and looking out for each other”.
“This appeal is being made because there is good reason to believe that the terrorists operating within the region have Ghana as a target and there is a need to increase security measures and engage the public to be more careful,” the statement further noted.
“We want to reassure the public that the security agencies and all those charged with maintaining the security of the state are working hard to ensure the safety of our country and its people and we count on your continuing support in this endeavour,”
Below is the full video;
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