Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called for total mobilization of the Ghanaian people to recognize the threats of terrorism, to be alert and play their part in protecting the country.
The success of this strategy, he said, will however depend on the role that the media will play in helping to do deep, professional and sustained exercise of public education.
Speaking at the launch of the Ministry of National Security’s citizen awareness campaign dubbed ‘See Something, Say Something’ last Tuesday, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah urged media houses to make their platforms available to help engage the public and said, “Not in fear but to deepen understanding so that all can play their part.”
“It will also take the efforts of leaders of stakeholder groups, associations, religious groups to also help us as we deepen engagement with their members.
“Mine is to call on you all to play your role so that we can protect our republic,” he added.
Minister for National Security Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, in his speech, stated the campaign is not aimed at creating panic among the citizenry but geared toward bolstering the confidence of the public to swiftly report suspicious activities in their communities to the relevant security and intelligence agencies.
The National Security Ministry and the added security agencies, he said, are counting on the public to take ownership of the campaign as a way of supporting state security and intelligence agencies to reduce the threat of an attacking gun.
“We, on our part, will do all we can to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation,” he said.
Former Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, stated the event “reminds us of the great sacrifices that our forefathers have made to keep Ghana safe”.
He said Ghana has consistently been part of the top three peaceful countries in Africa per reports of the Global Peace Index.
He disclosed that as part of the campaign, a toll-free number 999 has been provided for citizens to swiftly report suspicious activities to state security authorities regardless of ethnic, religious and political differences.
“We as Ghanaians have a collective duty to protect our state against terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.
Deputy National Security Coordinator, Edward Kwaku Asomani, in his remarks stated that Ghana is rightly regarded as a beacon of hope, democracy and stability in a highly volatile sub-region with other West African counties battling the activities of terrorists and violent extremist organizations.
Their activities, he said, have undermined the peace, stability, and security of these countries, and in some instances, render these states ungovernable and triggered a humanitarian crisis.
“Disturbingly, an assessment of the modus operandi of these criminals has revealed that Ghana has become a target. This ministry, in collaboration with all state security agencies, is prepared to go to great lengths to execute that mandate effectively.”
“We, at the Ministry of National Security are hopeful that you will heed this call and together we protect ourselves, our families, our communities, and our dear country,” he appealed.
Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee in Parliament, Hon. James Agalga commended the Minister for National Security for rolling out the initiative.
Terrorism, he said, is real, and therefore demands collective effort to succeed in its fight.
“That is why you see the minority heavily represented at this forum. Hon. Minister, you can count on us for support in all the measures we are rolling out to counter-terrorism.
