Do we have terrorists in Ghana?

The word TERRORIST or TERRORISM is something that sometimes confused many Ghanaians and even some of the security experts when they are called to explain. What is TERRORISM? Terrorism is the use of fear and acts of violence in order to intimidate societies or governments. ... Common definitions of terrorism refer to violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror). They may be done for a religious, political, or ideological goal, and often target civilians. The effects of terrorism are not just limited to its actual victims. They can be wide-ranging and far-reaching. They include the direct and indirect economic costs of terrorist attacks, the psychological effects of terrorism upon the population, and the social and political impact of terrorist attacks.

The reason why security experts and government officials keep deceiving us into believing that terrorist are not in Ghana is that, we are ignorant in the field of security and are not willing to learn. Nobody can convince me that we don't have terrorist in Ghana and that Ghana is free from terrorism. The continues attacks on Ghanaian people by Fulani headsmen within the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and the Eastern enclave is a sign of terrorism which must not be disputed but must be a great concern to our security institutions.

The Agogo issue for instance boarders with security that in my opinion has a link with terrorism. Just recently, three military officers were injured in the attack on police-military team in Asante Akyem Agogo by Fulani herdsmen, above five police men have been killed in the course of their duty to protect lives and properties. Fulani herdsmen roamed about in many parts of the country with large herds of cattle destroying people’s farms, polluting water bodies, killing and maiming innocent farmers who dared to challenge or confront them, with impunity.

The interior minister together with the defence minister must see the recent attack on our security and the people of Agogo community as an attack on Ghanaians and not only the people of that community. The also see it as wake up call to enhance and equipped our able men and women in the security to be able respond to any call that has to do with security. That will deter attackers and mitigate vulnerabilities at various points, multiple security controls are implemented and coordinated as part of a layered defense in depth strategy, that I this would minimize the impact of an attack. To be prepared for a security breach, security groups should have an Incident Response Plan (IRP) in place. This should allow them to contain and limit the damage, remove the cause and apply updated defense controls.

In my humble opinion, if all these measures are put in place, it would help minimize, if not curtailed the negative security reports hitting our ears frequently. Ghanaians must feel secured and have a free mind to go about their normal economic activities without any iota of threat. The name and the integrity of the country of more important than anything else. Thank you.