Free phone calls to fight terrorists …just dial 999 to report

Ghana’s National Security has asked residents in the country to never panic over an earlier caution of possible terrorists attacks but rather should immediately dial toll free number 999 to report any suspicious activates whatsoever to the security agencies for a swift and immediate action.

Mr. Edward Kweku Asomani, Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator, told journalists in the capital on Sunday afternoon that the toll-free 999 number is an initiative under the national ‘See Something, Say Something’ anti-terrorism campaign that would be officially launched tomorrow Tuesday May 24, 2022, to augment the robust security and intelligence architecture.

“We are here today to seek the support of all Ghanaians. We are not panicking, we are on top of the situation but we need the help of everybody in our jurisdiction. We are launching this campaign on Tuesday with the 999 number. All the Police handles – Twitter, Facebook – will be activated.

“When you ring, you don’t even have to identify yourself because we have some individuals who are worried about identifying themselves when they are giving information. If we do this very well, we will all collectively reduce the risk that we face in the country,” Edward Kweku Asomani noted.

Edward Kweku Asomani advised the public to report any suspicious character or activities to the security agencies: “We all have to be vigilant, also we know that the terrorist want access to the sea, the nature of various attacks we have also had in the sub region indicates that wherever they go, there is some form of mineral or natural resources there, particularly gold.

“So the question therefore is , if they attack towns in Burkina Faso that has gold deposits, clearly Ghana will be an interest, we are clearly therefore a target, and that is why we are here today to seek the support of Ghanaians, that you need to help the security and intelligent agencies, you need to report any suspicious activities that you see.”

“..Hence the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign, we have the view that when Ghanaians own their personal security, when Ghanaians are aware of their environment and conscious of their environment, it will reduce the threat of an attack on our nation,” Kweku Asomani added.

Background

National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, disclosed in a press statement dated Tuesday May 17, 2022 that Ghana’s security services have been jolted into an all time red alert over possible attacks from violent extremist groups and individuals engaged in acts of terrorism within the West African sub-region.

The statement warned that churches, mosques, entertainment venues and places where people gather are possible targets for attacks and therefore urged all persons within Ghana’s territories are “to be vigilant and extra careful about their personal and community security.”

“This appeal is being made because there is good reason to believe that the terrorists operating within the region have Ghana as a target and there is need to increase security measures and engage the public to be more careful.

“We urge the managers of public places and gatherings to be extra vigilant. We want to reassure the public that the security agencies and all those charged with maintaining the security of the state are working hard to ensure the safety of our country and its people and we count on your continuing support in this endeavour.”

The statement was specific in which areas could be attacked by the terrorists: “the Ministry is making a strong appeal for heightened vigilance in areas of mass gatherings, especially at public places of entertainment and worship, such as churches and mosques.

“The employment of guards, security gadgetry and lighting of the areas surrounding the areas of public gatherings would all help, but nothing beats the vigilance of each of us individuals, taking personal responsibility and looking out for each other”, it added.

Mr. Dapaah, in the statement, expressed regret that many of Ghana’s neighbours have unfortunately suffered attacks from the terrorist groups as their activities have spread from the Sahelian region towards the coastal West-African States.

“Our immediate neighbours, Burkina Faso, la Côte d’Ivoire and Togo have all experienced such attacks
and we have to recognise that our country remains a target as the security services work to keep us all safe’, it noted.