Ghana under terrorism threats-Deputy Interior Minister

The Deputy Minister of the Interior, James Agalga says “Ghana as a whole has come under threat in recent times from the activities of terrorists.” 

He indicated that based on the scenarios playing out in some neighboring West African counties, the “threat of terrorism in the Ghana is real.” 

Mr. expressed the sentiment at the Government for the People (G4P) Forum held in Wa in the Upper West Region. 

GBC’s Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo reports that the Deputy Minister of the Interior was quick to add that measures have been put in place to forestall the occurrence of terrorism in Ghana adding that even if it occurs there is an assurance that the steps put in place will minimize the impact of any such attack. 

The G4P Forum offered a platform for the public to seek answers from duty bearers in respect of issues of concern to them whilst serving as a channel to provide feedback to government. 

Mr. Agalga gave a background to his assertion of the threat, saying the Upper West Region shares border with Burkina Faso and not too long ago, there was a terrorist attack in Ouagadougou claiming several lives, thereafter, we also heard of the attack in neighboring Cote d’Ivoire in Grand-Bassam. 

Mr. Agalga said to combat terrorism a in the country, a number of measures have been rolled out, where the national security council issues a security alert to make people aware that subject of terrorism is an existential one in order for us not to play down the threat. 

He continued that the consciousness of the threat will make the citizenry more vigilant to enable them report suspicious characters to the security agencies for the necessary action to further enhanced safety. 

The Upper West Regional Minister Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani outlined a number of development initiatives in the region including cross-border cooperation to deal with criminality and talked of efforts to boost trade and tourism through operation of commercial flights. 

He said the Regional Coordinating Council has provided a 24-unit office accommodation to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airport Company to facilitate the operations of commercial flights from Accra to Wa in fulfillment of President Mahama’s initiative of connecting all regional capitals with air flights. 

Alhaji Sulemani added that the rehabilitation of the facility and other works on the field are far advanced and hope by the close of the year, commercial flight will start in Wa. 

The Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Isaac Adjei Mensah mentioned some roads that are to be asphalted in Upper West to prolong their lifespan. 

They include Wa-Sombo Residency Road as well as Wa-Lawra,Wa-Bole, Wa-Tumu and UDS Campus  roads. 

The MP for Wa West, Joseph Yieleh Chireh stated that from 2009 to date Upper West had witnessed what he termed phenomenal development but because of politics some people are wishing away the achievements the NDC government. 

A Deputy Minister for Communications, Ato Sarpong moderated the session with some traditional rulers from Upper West gracing the occasion.


GBC