Ghana Police Increases Visibility in Major Cities Following Security Apprehensions

The Sikaman Times can report that the Ghana Police Service has increased its presence and surveillance activities in major cities of the country following recent security concerns and cautions.

Last week, the Ministry for National Security released a presser cautioning all and sundry, especially faith-based organizations that congregate at churches and mosques, on the potentiality of incursions by insurgents. The statement admonished leaders of the organisations to put in place strong security systems such as the employment of security guards, security gadgetry, and adequate lighting. It also assured members of the public that the government, through the ministry, would do everything it took to protect the citizenry but encouraged each individual to be extra vigilant.

A report by the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism named Ghana as one of the countries at a high risk of terrorist attack, given the activities of terrorist groups in neighbouring countries.

Our correspondents in the major cities of Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Sunyani, among others, report an unusually enhanced presence of the Ghana Police Service at vantage points in the cities.

Additionally, the Police Administration for the past few days, through its “Police Action Against Rider Indiscipline” or “PAARI”, has interacted with motor riders on the need to adhere to safe riding rules and observe road traffic regulations.

It is unclear whether the skirmishes in Nkoranza in the Bono East Region will end anytime soon, but a high-level delegation from the service visited the area on Tuesday. The Police said in a statement issued on Wednesday that “the Service is satisfied with the strategic operational contingency plan and the general deployment of police personnel on the ground in handling the situation.”

It is expected that the public will complement the efforts of the Ghana Police Service by being individually responsible for their own security and that of their household members.