Security alert: the concern of Ghanaians

Security concerns of Ghanaians have been heightened following the recent theorist attacks in some countries, particularly, neighboring Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire.

A luxury hotel in Burkina Faso, was attacked about two months ago killing about 29 people, leaving several others wounded. Not long after that, another attack was launched in Cote d’Ivoire at the Grand Balsam Beach Resort where many lives were lost. About a week or two ago, another attack was directed to the Brussels airport despite the strict security services available.

These incidents have caused what can be described as “security tension” in Ghana. Several measures have been put in place by the security apparatuses in the country to avert any possibility of terrorist attack. Hotel operators have arranged strict measures to ensure the security of their clients.

In recent development, a three member team from South Africa had to be detained by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), tried in court and later repatriated for being considered as security threat to the nation. It was alleged that the three member team was brought into the country by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to train some security personnel for the flag bearer, the running mate and their families including other highly profiled party members.

Hitherto this incident, the president of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama was fiercely criticized for admitting some two Guantanamo Bay detainees into the country on the basis of what he describes as compassion. It however baffles me that a leader can have compassion for foreigners to the detriment of his people.

In recent times there is almost no church service where the peace of Ghana will not be preached or man of God who does not beseech his congregation to pray for the perfect peace of Ghana. These are all laudable initiatives to jealously safeguard the peace the country is already enjoying.

The fact must however remain that security preparedness or alertness is not the duty of an individual or a section of the citizens, but a collective responsibility of all.  Each person needs to be the brother’s keeper.

It is equally important that all persons in Ghana be treated in respect of democracy and the principle of rule of law, as they say, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander”. It is thus by my own standard, a share ignorance of some persons or group of persons to think that all efforts of sustaining peace should be directed towards external forces and factors, while relegating internal elements to the background.

In as much as efforts are strengthened to prevent any external attack on the country, we must also take cognizance of the internal factor and agencies that are potentially security threats, particularly, as Ghana goes to the polls in November. It is thus prudent that all our actions and inaction should be reflected upon before executing.

The security forces and other individuals need to recognize the interest and welfare of the general public first before fulfilling their selfish interests and those of their political parties. They must note that the national peace is the golden treasure of the country and that Ghana is an icon of peace in the eyes of Africa and the world at large. Every inch of possibility must therefore be maximized to the absolute benefit of the whole nation. The security forces and agencies must starve their interest and satisfy the interest of Ghana if our security campaign will be a success.

We are one people with one destiny, peace is what we want.