All is not well, we need to be vigilant and ‘shine our eyes’ — Deputy Defense Minister

The Deputy Minister of Defense, Kofi Amankwa-Manu has asked Ghanaians to be extra vigilant as the country is surrounded by countries hit by terrorists.

He said Ghana is the only country left standing all neighbouring countries have been attacked by terrorists.

Speaking on ‘The Probe’ on Joy News last Sunday, he noted that analysis of the movements of the violent extremists show that they are targeting a coastal country.

He noted that Ghanaians need to be very conscious and vigilant.

He indicated that security forces in the country are preparing the ground in order not to be caught by surprise.

“The issue of terrorism is something that as a country we have to take seriously because if you look at the activities of these groups of extremists they are fast moving southwards. Not too long ago, on the 11^th of April thereabout, Togo was hit and that was serious. If you look at the modus operandi of these groupings they are now coming with sophisticated ways of doing things and so we cannot sit and fold our arms thinking that all is well. All is not well and so we need to sit and prepare,” he cautioned Ghanaians.

He continued, “we need to be vigilant and like we say in Ghana we need to shine our eyes the more because if you look around all the countries surrounding Ghana in way or the other have been hit we are the only country left standing. If I say we are the only country left standing what I mean is talk of Mali they’ve been hit, Burkina, Nigeria, Togo, Niger, they’ve all experienced this bitter pill from these extremists and when you look at the southward movement of these groupings clearly one thing is certain, they are looking to find a coastal country. We in Ghana must begin to shine our eyes.”

On May 12, the Ministry of National Security released a statement cautioning citizens on the movement of terrorists group towards Coastal West Africa States.

The statement indicated that as a precautionary measure churches and religious places of worship should install CCTV cameras and engage the services of approved private security guards.

The Ministry asked Ghanaians to be vigilant as it continuous to institute measures and ensure that the peace and security in the country is maintained.

See details of statement here