Much as the security and intelligence architectures of the state are doing their best to safeguard citizens from the threat of terrorism, it is important to strengthen the country’s border security in order to prevent the terrorists from entering the country.
Having studied the networks of the terrorists, who look for weak and porous areas to operate, and with Ghana having so many unapproved roots at our various borders it can make it easy for terrorists to have their way into the country, through the northern enclave. Anthony Acquaye Security Policy Expert at the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy disclosed this in a statement in Accra.
He said the tactical system used by the terrorists, is very tricky due to the rise in terrorist operations in Burkina Faso, with which Ghana shares a border with the North.
He said it is very important to deploy strong interoperability security measures and a critical collaborative proactive intelligence network among the two countries, and their other neighboring countries to help tackle the common threat of terrorist attacks that have engulfed the sub-region.
It is also imperative to state on record that, the Ministry of National Security is doing its best to help prevent any act of terrorism that may befall the country through the launch of the Terrorism Awareness Campaign slogan “If you see something, say something” with gospel musician Empress Gifty as the brand ambassador, which in my opinion I have my reservation on her appointment.
In my candid perspective, the Ministry of National Security is not helping the general public in informing and educating them about the actual type of threats of terrorism identified or anticipated by their outfit that Ghana seems to be facing, including its threats level at the district and regional levels and the nation at large, through their website, social media Platforms or their normal text massaging mechanism.
He further stated that this approach will help the general public to remain more alert of the danger and, the actual type of threats posed to them and to tell any suspicious activities to the state security agencies through an active phone number.
He reiterated that he is disappointed with the laziness approach of the Ministry of National Security for not being able to create its own Strategic Terrorism Awareness Campaign Slogan coupled with an active contact number for citizens to reach up to in any event of suspicious activities.
Above all, but chose to copy the slogan proposed by executive Allen Kay from New York City which was used by the United States after their 9/11 terrorism attack, and add to it an inactive (999) phone or contact number, which can be reached when citizens call.
Until the Ministry proves that, the type of terrorism threat, identified or anticipated to be faced by Ghana is the same as that of the United States, there is no point in adopting a Plagiarized slogan that does not concur with the combating of Ghana’s type of terrorism threat.
In the United Kingdom, for instance, the M15 created its own terrorism threat campaign awareness slogan, termed (SCN) meaning See, Check, and Notify. In that, if you see anything check and notify the security agencies.
Story by: Nana Dogbey / Ahotoronline.com
