Universities, hotels, markets must also be wary of possible terrorist attacks — Adam Bonaa

A Security Analyst, Adam Bonaa has said the caution issued against possible terrorist attacks in Ghana by the Ministry of National Security should not be limited to only religious gatherings.

In his view, all other places where people gather must be also be wary of the possible attacks.

Following the activities of terrorist groups in neighbouring West African countries, Ghana's National Security cautioned churches against possible similar attacks.

The National Security assured that measures have been instituted in order to forestall these attacks however, the churches must also be on alert.

The measures instituted include installation of Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) in churches, as well as engaging the services of accredited private security agencies.

“In view of the growing threats of terrorism from the subregion and the expansionist drive of terrorist groups towards Coastal West African states, with a renewed modus operandi of targeting public gatherings including places of worship, it is imperative that precautional measures are taken by all stakeholders,” a statement issued on Friday May 13 said.

Reacting to this on the News 360 on TV3 Sunday May 15, Dr Bonaa said “What I can say is that the caution is welcomed, it is something we should have done probably, a bit longer but unfortunately, it is coming out now. I will say better late than never.”

He added “It is not the first time we are getting such a statement from the National Security apparatus . What I probably would have wanted to see is a more broadened caution, trying to caution universities, caution traders, caution hotels and caution places where even social activities take place for entertainment, for sports. Because we must know that when it comes to terrorism and where they attack, one side doesn’t take it all. What we have seen is something that has to do with religious facilities, I have already seen media portals pointing to churches.”

It is recalled that a report released by the West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE) released recently said Ghana has managed so far to stay safe from terrorist attacks on home soil, yet the country has been so close to terrorism.

Already, the report said, more than 13 Ghanaians are believed to have travelled to fight with terrorist groups since 2015. Up to twenty three (23) others have been dissuaded from leaving to join extremist groups.

“Ghana's first recorded case was Nazir Alema Nortey3 , a young university graduate, who shockingly left the country in august 2015 to join ISIS before sending a message back to his parents to announce his new found cause.

“He was killed in Syria by April 2016. Professor Kofi Awoonor, a renowned Ghanaian poet and academic, was killed in the West Gate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya when Al Shabab fighters besieged the mall in 2013,” the report said.

The threat has been menacingly and quickly spread, occurring through a spill over phenomenon, has ravaged the Northern borders of not only Burkina Faso but also of Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo recently. With all its direct neighbors under attacks, Ghana has descending from the Sahel towards Coastal States in the last five years.

“Even though the fatality numbers are presently down from the peak of over 7,200 in the region in 2014, the threat has increased in complexity and geographical spread. Today 53% of all ECOWAS now been encircled by the threat. These developments are dangerous for Ghana.

“Ghana's proximity to these countries (Burkina Faso to the North, Benin and Togo to the East and Ivory Coast to the West) exposes the country to extremist recruitment or attacks or both,” it added.

It further stated that the “unending Bawku chieftaincy conflict, the ethnic tensions in Northern Ghana and the unresolved challenge of Western Togoland separatists in the Eastern border regions amplify the risks.”

—3news.com