The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has described the current spate of crime and the security situation as one that is precarious.
Speaking on rising security concerns, he expressed concern about the increasing rate of insecurity in West Africa following recent terrorist and piracy attacks.
“I am sad to say that our security situation in West Africa is getting a bit more precarious and we are having to pay a lot more attention to it than before.
“Terrorism and piracy are some of our biggest security threats today around West Africa. If you look at the numbers and how close it is getting home and the fact that some recruitments have gone on in Ghana and we are participating in the West African terrorism enterprise, there’s a lot more that needs to be done.”
Oppong Nkrumah
Touching on challenges the issue of insecurity, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah posited that it will cause the nation challenges in terms of economic growth.
“If, you’re not able to stabilize whichever region that you want to govern, nothing can follow. When you have an ungovernable place,;a place that is thrown into chaos because of terrorism, piracy or whatever it is, business won’t invest. People won’t feel safe to have jobs and economic activities wouldn’t prosper and development wouldn’t come on because there is even destruction on daily basis.”
Oppong Nkrumah
Attacks, nearing Ghana borders
Also, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah revealed that attacks from other West African nations is gradually nearing the country’s borders. He added that, illicit arms are being moved into the country.
“There’s been a lot of pouring of illicit arms into these areas and gradually,;the data shows that it coming down south. One of the closest attacks was just five kilometers away from Ghanaian communities in Northern Ghana. And then now, there is clear evidence that they’ve succeeded in attracting some Ghanaians to join the enterprise there.”
Oppong Nkrumah
He further said the risk associated with such nearness and involvement by Ghanaians is that, the terrorists who have made their way into the country are capable of influencing those in the localities.
The Minister then questioned if, the terrorists who entered the country left behind their accomplices and the sort of influence they have over the local communities.
He also revealed that per the data and intelligence put together, there is a cause to worry.
“There must be more equipment and more troops moved up North”
Awareness on security must be created
Touching on if the people in the localities understand the current security issue in the country, Mr, Oppong Nkrumah intimated that getting these local people to understand is a gradual process and urged for awareness to be created.
“That is why one of the first things we have to do is to create awareness. We have to create awareness and let the public know. Gone are the days when security was secrecy. Today openness is the key to security issues. Let the public know and let the public understand their role even in getting this right.”
Oppong Nkrumah
He stated that people have to be aware to allow information sharing with security agencies to enable government resource more personnel and equipment needed in combating the rising insecurity.
