As part of effort to drum home the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, security agencies in the Afadzato South district of the Volta region have joined forces to sensitize residents on issues of terrorism.
The agencies included the Ghana Police Service, Immigration, Customs Division and the Ghana National Fire Service.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) also attended.
Addressing the gathering yesterday, Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Ve-Golokuati, station manager, Chief Inspector Michael Yaw Azaglo, indicated that terrorism threat is closer to us than we thought, a reason why everybody must be extra vigilant and ready for anything that may come.
He cited neighbouring Togo to be the latest to suffer gruesome terrorist attacks in recent times.
On May 11, 2022, terrorists were reported to have killed 10 soldiers in neighbouring Togo and about 15 assailants were killed during the terrorist attack in the north of Togo.
Togo’s troops have since been deployed in the north of the country to contain a security threat pushing south from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger where groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) operate.
With this, Chief Inspector Michael Azaglo has advised the public to report suspicious characters or activities to the security agencies.
According to him, an informed and vigilant community is critical in keeping the country safer.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alex Cosmos, charged all citizens to have a core responsibility to help fight and protect the country.
He noted that although Ghana has not yet experienced any terrorist attack, it is prudent proactive measures are taken.
Responding to residents issues of disclosing their identities to suspects they have reported to the Police,
He said it was rather unfortunate and unprofessional on the part of the police to disclose the identity of informants.
ASP Alex urged the public to feel free to anonymously lodge complaints at his office so he can address them personally should they feel uncomfortable reporting to any officer.
He said the public can as well report to their assembly members, District Chief Executives, chiefs, opinion leaders, presiding members and community leaders.
He also told residents to reach out to the various security agencies by dialing 999 (toll-free) or using any of the security agencies’ phone numbers and social media handles should they notice anything unusual happening about the security situation in their communities.
ASP Alex Cosmos also assured that, the police patrol team will soon commence operation in the district.
Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Idris Yunus admonished motorists to desist from transporting foreigners into the country through unapproved routes.
He said such persons will be dealt with in accordance with the constitution when caught.
Government in May this year launched the “See Something, Say Something” campaign to raise awareness for public vigilance to deal with terrorist threat at a time crime appears to be on the increase in some parts of the country.
The See Something, Say Something campaign, is to directly engage citizens in fighting crime and creating peaceful, lively, and secured communities across the country.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com | Ghana
