Security Analyst, Adib Saani, has expressed concerns and described as a dangerous phenomenon, with emerging reports that border officials are requesting for money to allow people in and out of the country.

According to Adib Saani, it will be very catastrophic for the security of the state, for such actions to be happening at the borders knowing fully well that the terrorist can take advantage of that to sneak into the country alongside weapons.

“It is a dangerous phenomenon because in the past, it’s the smugglers who take advantage of the deficiencies to smuggle goods in and out.”
Adib Saani

The Security Analyst called on authorities to take immediate steps to deal with the situation. He suggested to government to begin with a reshuffle for the officers who work at the borders. He explained that getting all the old personnel there out and replacing them with new ones who wouldn’t stay long at their various posts will help.

“Because when you allow officers to stay on the job at a particular location for too long, they become comfortable and comfortably acquainted with the community and that could compromise them one way or the other.”
Adib Saani

Steps taken by government okay

Responding to if he is satisfied with the steps taken to prepare the general public ahead of the terrorism threats, Adib Saani averred that to an extent, the steps are okay because the threat has been looming for sometime.

“Unfortunately, government decided to keep it at the top because they didn’t want to cause fear and panic but thanks to civil societies, government has finally owned up to the fact that yes indeed, there is a threat looming and we need to do something.”
Adib Saani

The Security Expert posited that so far, what he has seen government do is to issue statements targeted at the people telling them to be alert and conscious when they are in public, directing places of worship to install cameras and acquire the services of private securities.

“And that I think is fine because I have always stated that government cannot do this alone and the citizens have to compliment the role of government by investing in security. So, I think largely it’s okay but there is still a lot more to be done.”
Adib Saani

Adib Saani indicated that he was surprised that the Ministry has till date not released pointers and guidelines on what to do in dangerous situations. He stated that what they have released is more like an announcement to the general public cautioning them.

“What should the person do to be conscious, what’s the person to look out for? In case of an emergency, what is the person supposed to do? I mean we need the ‘nitty-gritties’ but it should be with broad generic statements knowing fully well that a lot of Ghanaians are being ignorant about security and might not be able to know what to do.”
Adib Saani