Ghana: Security Risk Habituation & Potential Terrorist Incursion -By Wilson Anku

The recent attack on Northern Togo should be a rude awakening to all persons living in Ghana.

For long, Togo had not been associated with any of the regional terrorist attacks. Of course, many were running to Togo when Mali, Burkina Faso and potential sparks in Northern Ghana. But then, the regional security landscape is changing.

Ghanaians, wake up!
The believe that “nothing will happen” puts us in a state of security coma. A kind of condition that tends to numb our security sensitivity and alertness to reality. Whiles we pray for God’s protection, let’s not forget also to take personal responsibility.

We cannot discount the fact that Bawku Municipal is in a state of unpredictable insecurity. The kind that had affected normal lives. Schools are closed down. Local businesses are disrupted. Free movement is restricted. Life is not normal. Admittedly, there will be people who might have seen this pattern over the decades and will tell you “it’s normal “. I dare say, the context isn’t normal. It’s a free fall.
The already melting pot of insecurity in Burkina Faso as may be attested to by my peer Wendenda Jonas Zoumboudre is a fluid and volatile one. Plotting the current state of insecurity in sub Sahara West Africa on an interactive map will strongly indicate one thing: “Ghana is the only virgin bride pursued by undisciplined exploitative Don Juan’s, security speaking”.

My advise to the security Capos. Seniors, we’ve talked enough.

1. Let’s strengthen our already porous borders.
2. Equip the various security apparatus with modern technologies to give us real time security updates.
3. Foster strong international relations for security within the sub regions.

To the ordinary Ghanaian, don’t forget

1. Be wary of who you welcome to your home. For terrorist first come as tenants then evolve into the monster you hate to see.
2. As economic situations worsen, unemployed youths will be targeted for recruitment into some of these terrorist groups.
3. The days of living without caution is over. For every untoward occurrence is an indicator of insecurity. Be mindful.

As I check out, remember that, in these times we find ourselves, if you see something you’ve got to say something. Don’t risk habituate. Things aren’t the same anymore!