The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah says he is confident that the various security agencies in the country will clamp down on activities of terrorists if they try to attack Ghana.
The Minister made these pronouncements after he paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at his Palace in Accra on Tuesday.
The courtesy call was to officially inform the National Chief Imam about the newly launched ‘See something, say something’ campaign which is aimed at creating an awareness for Ghanaians to be on the lookout for terrorists or their deadly attacks in the country.
Speaking at the Palace of the National Chief Imam, the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah said “This morning, we have found it important to organize an event to update the citizens about the security situation in the country. Specifically with respect to the threat we feel as a nation. Some terrorists who are operating in our neighbouring countries in the West African Region”
“The terrorist threat in the region has been going on for a number of years. We have always been aware that, it is a threat that can hit us in our country. As a result of that and for many years, we have been organizing ourselves to ensure that we will be able to prevent any attack. I am confident that the terrorists will not be able to subdue the country’s security forces in its own territory"
“But in recent times, some of their activities in Burkina and especially Togo has given calls for concern.
He also revealed that the terrorists have attacked neighbouring Ivory Coast, Benin and Burkina Faso.
He hinted that Ghana and Togo were the only countries that had not been attacked until the terrorists penetrate into Tog, causing lots of troubles.
“In the work that we do, we do not allow ourselves to be overtaken by fear and panic. This is because, we have full confidence in our security and intelligence agencies”
“But because of the way the terrorists operate, they will be able to spring a surprise at any time and it is for this reasons that we decided to call a message to all Ghanaians that there is this possibility and there is this threat”
“In providing security for our country and ensuring the safety of all people in our country, we need the security agencies. But security must necessarily be a whole of society approach”
“Security cannot be limited to government alone, the individual must also help to fight for security for him/herself.”
“So today, we have appealed to Ghanaians that there is this possibility, the security agencies are working hard on it but we want everybody to be part of the process of protecting this country”
The Minister noted that the efficiency of the security and intelligence agencies very much depends upon the information and intelligence received from the general public.
“We want people to volunteer information”
The National Security Minister appealed to Ghanaians to support all the security agencies to make the awareness campaign, a fruitful one.
On his part, the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was grateful to the Ministry of National Security for according him the respect and briefing him about the awareness campaign.
He pledged his support and assured the National Security Minister that he will relay the information to the subjects across the country.
He stressed that he will ensure no one goes under the disguise of Islam to commit any deviant behaviour in the country.
The meeting ended with a prayer of peace and protection from the National Chief Imam.
Among the National Security Minister’s entourage who paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam were; the Chief of Defense Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Deputy National Security Coordinator, Edward Kweku Asomani, and the Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Julius Kuunuor Aalebkure among others
Below are some pictures and a video:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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