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Insecurity in the sub-region; attitude of Ghanaians

The latest major terror attack inspired by radical Islamist ideology occurred at a beach resort in La Cote D’Ivoire which killed 19 people.

The latest major terror attack inspired by radical Islamist ideology occurred at a beach resort in La Cote D’Ivoire which killed 19 people

What makes the activities of these guys most terrifying is the fact that they are not afraid to die with their victims and are willing to shed innocent blood.

They target public places with large gatherings such as airports, stadiums, beaches, churches, malls, mosques and video centers to attack and then later take responsibility.

The belief systems of these terrorist cannot be overlooked.

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Al-Qaeda has traditionally dominated the region’s terrorist groups thanks to the late but steady affiliation of a strong contingent of Algerians hardened by a decade of combat in the civil war of the 1990s.

Ghana finding itself in the midst of the sub region cannot but put its house in shape and readiness for any form of attack.

For it is said in an African proverb that, “once you see your neighbor’s chin on fire you sought for water near yours.”

A visit to some public places like the airport, beaches , malls, churches, hotels reveals some have no awareness of the security situation at hand.

Some Hotels, especially those with four or five stars, have employed the services of the police and military to enhance the performance of their local security through training and equipping them with equipment, like metal detectors, so they can search individuals and vehicles entering their premises but some hotels are yet to put in the necessary measures to avert any attack.

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As for our churches, I guess we are trusting God to deliver us from the hands of these terrorist  because no attempt is being made to improve upon our security in the churches.

From my own observations, I have seen churches do very little about improving security on their premises.

Where I attend church there are cluster of churches in the area, and a scan around showed very few or no security measures to curb any unforeseen  attack even during the Easter season where there were more than 200 people.

A source close to the security services indicated that a recent survey conducted by the security agencies to some institutions in the country almost placed the church at the bottom in terms of preparedness and alertness for any terror attack

The National Security Council in a statement on March 16, 2016 said there is a credible threat of terrorism against Ghana and all other countries in the West African sub-region.

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"The National Security Council, on the basis of briefings by the intelligence agencies and partners, has determined that there is a credible terrorist threat to all countries in the sub-region."

The Council reviewed its anti-terrorism preparedness, joint service operations, and other measures to ensure the safety of the citizenry.

"In view of the conventional wisdom that security is a shared responsibility, the Council has advised that the general public be vigilant, cautious and curious and report any unusual circumstances to the law enforcement agencies.

However, Ghanaians have been charged to be alert for any form of terror attacks in the country.

Security experts said public places including hotels, restaurants, malls and other public places that attract a lot of foreigners are prone to attacks.

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