Terror threat alert not enough – Kwesi Aning

Senior lecturer at the Kofi Anan International Peace-Keeping training Centre, Dr Kwesi Aning says the public alert of a possible terror threat issued by government is not enough.

The National Security Council, after a meeting called by President John Mahama Tuesday, March 15, 2016 asked the public to be vigilant, saying that Ghana faces a credible terrorist threat.

The Council advised the general public to be cautious, curious, and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

But the security expert, Dr. Aning said, the alert lacks details on what the public must look out for when being vigilant.

Speaking to Joy News Dr. Aning said, “It is very good that the National Security Council finally, after close to 10 years delay, has recognized the change in security dynamics in West Africa and the way that it poses a threat to us.

“But I think it raises concerns as to whether this is too little too late. Having said that, how do you build security and make it a shared responsibility? What is the role of ordinary people and if the threat is credible, what should the market woman be looking out for when she goes to the shop? What is it that the farmer should stumble on, on his way to his farm? What is that I, coming to work stuck in traffic, might see that I might find a little odd and out of place?” he queried.

President John Mahama and his security chiefs at Tuesday's meeting reviewed the security situation in the country in the wake of a terrorist attack in Cote d’Ivoire.

According to reports, 15 civilians and three members of the special forces of that country were killed with 33 people others wounded in the attack in Grand Bassam, a weekend retreat popular with Ivorians and westerners about 40 km (25 miles) east of the commercial capital, Abidjan.

A statement issued after the meeting by Communication Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, urged Ghanaians and other nationals resident in Ghana to bear with security measures that may be enforced at various locations from time to time for the purpose of public safety.

Dr Aning said, a mere statement is not enough, more has to be done because ordinary Ghanaians cannot take any action on their own.

“I am still expecting, almost 12 hours after the release that there will be some more information saying ‘these are hotlines, manned 24/7 and as you go out, these are some of the things we expect you to look out for’, because Grand Bassam did not just happen.”

He said it was important for more people, with different skills set to be brought in to support the efforts being made.

“If the statement really means what it says, then much more information needs to be coming out,” he added.

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