President Nana Akufo Addo has asked Ghanaians to report “suspicious characters” who visit communities with the intention of causing mayhem to the Police.
The President indicated that such characters should not be entertained in various communities since they only seek to take advantage of Ghanaians’ hospitality to cause mayhem.
“I know you have read the threads and actual attacks by Christian and Muslim miscreants in the West African region and other parts of the world. We do not want that phenomenon to ever occur in our country.
“While security agencies work to keep all of us safe, I encourage you to report suspicious characters who come into your communities to take advantage of our well acclaimed hospitality to unleash mayhem on our country.”
The President’s appeal comes on the back of a heightened alert within the country due to the activities of terrorist groups in countries along Ghana’s borders, particularly Burkina Faso.
A Security Analyst with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre, Dr. Fiifi Adu-Afful, has urged the clergy to boost security in churches and worship centres to prevent possible terrorist attacks.
According to him, the current trend of extremists attacks in Cote D’ Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali among others is a strong signal that Ghana is a likely target.
There have been security alerts of impending terrorist attacks targeted at churches and other places of worship.
Dr. Adu-Afful said it is important for the country to be alert and take precautionary measures to avert such attacks.
The Police in the Central Region has also called on the clergy to consider banning the use of bags in churches to help with the fight against terrorism.
This according to the Dominase Police Commander, DSP Paul Ankan, will help reduce the risk of terrorist attacks in places of worship.
‘Maintain Muslim, Christian bond’
Speaking at the Eid-ul-fitr ceremony held at the independence square on Wednesday, the President also asked Ghanaians to focus on maintaining the bond between Christians and Muslims which has existed over the years.
“Today, we are the envy of the world when it comes to peaceful coexistence of different religious communities. I believe that the visit of the National Chief Imam to Christ the King church as a gesture of solidarity should be duly celebrated. The BBC and other international news networks carried this singular act because it rarely happens anywhere else.
To the Police, let us also exercise restraint in the face of provocation for a lack of restraint will only feed into the destructive plans of these miscreants who seek to destroy in the name of religion.