Ghana Security Forces on High Alert after Togo repulsed extremists attacks near Burkina Faso border – An Owula Mangortey observation

 

Ghana Security Forces increased alert levels following Togo Security Forces thwarting of possible militant attacks in the Kpendjal Prefecture near the border with Burkina Faso on Friday, 12th November, 2021.

The attacks were believed to be spillover of Islamist militant violence into Togo, believed to be the first since 2018 when the Togolese began operations to prevent insurgents linked to Alqaeda and Islamic State entering from Burkina Faso.

Responding to the attacks, President Faure Gnassingbe is reported to have instructed his government to continue investing in the security agencies to strengthen the capabilites of the Togolese Army.

Readiness of Ghana’s Security Agencies

The Government of Ghana continues to invest in a Northern Border Protection Project with the Military setting up barracks in Wa and Bazua, and maintaining their presence at Hamile, Tumu, Paga, Doba, Bolgatanga, Bawku, Mognori, Polmakom and Woriyanga (I hope the GOC of GAF Northern Command has corrected the military anomaly at Woriyanga).

The Military, Police FPU, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Investigations Bureau collobarate in counter-terrorism operations code-named “Operation Conquered Fist.”

In response to the attacks in Togo, the Ghana Security Agencies have increased their alert levels.The Military in particular have intensified public education engagements in border communities and will require civil sector agencies to complement their efforts.

Fortunately, the Upper East REGSEC has immediately started a process to rope in CSOs on the ground in the public education and advocacy program to support the efforts of the Military and Security Agencies.

Gaps

I have travelled extensively in the Upper West and Upper Regions and I have made the following observations:

(1). I have been to the Military barracks and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and other locations where the Military maintain their presence and noted the distances between them (forexample, the Wa barracks and the Hamile and Tumu bases).

(2). I have noted the lax security at hotels/motels, places of worship, funerals, restaurants/chop bars/drinking spots, educational institutions, chief’s palaces, markets, lorry parks, offices of the Municipal and District Assemblies, family homes of prominent politicians and public figures, etc.

(3). I have noted the state of preparedness of the Police, GIS and NIB to fight crime and the threat from extremists and terrorists.

(4). I have noted the long stretches of porous borders and the many unapproved routes (called “beats” by the GIS) and the inability of the Security Agencies to patrol all of them.

(5). I have noted the bad roads between communities and the incessibility of certain communities during the rainy season and how they are likely to pose challenges to fast security deployments.

(6). I have noted some of the manpower and logistic requirements of the Military, the Police and the GIS in the fight to counter and prevent infiltration of extremists and terrorists.

How do we expect Immigration Officials to use torch lights to patrol the borders? They need technological equipments.

How do we expect Immigration officials to work without common rain coats?

Recently, I cringed when the GIS announced on 2nd August, 2021, that it had promoted four (4) of its staff who “showed great commitment to duty and patriotism by remaining at and securing their duty post during a heavy down power without any protective clothing.”

How do we expect the Police to work without vehicles and motorbikes and their experienced personnel transferred without replacements?

Fellow Ghanaians, there is a lot more that the Government of Ghana has to do to increase the capabilities of the Security Agencies if we do not wish to be overrun by militants linked to Alqaeda and Islamic State.

*Role of Citizens*

(1). It is the responsibility of citizens to call on the Government of Ghana to increase funding for the Security Agencies to enable them meet their manpower and logistic requirements (including drones, security cameras and other technological gadgets).

(2). Citizens need to appreciate and support the Security Agencies to thwart the infiltration of extremists and terrorists into the country.

(3). Citizens need to remain vigilant and report any unusual persons, movements and occurrences to the Security Agencies.

(4). There is a need to have more public education, sensitization, public awareness engagements among citizens in the border communities.

(5). Citizens need to call on the NCCE, Media, CSOs, Religious and Traditional leaders to join in the sensitization, public education and advocacy programs to complement the efforts of the Military and other Security Agencies.

Fellow Ghanaians, the threat of extremism and terrorism to Ghana is real and closer to our borders than we can imagine.

Let’s be vigilant!!

Owula Mangortey
Dodowa
15th November, 2021

Note:
Owula Mangortey appears on Fridays (8.30- 10:OO) on #asaasebreakfastshow @AsaaseRadio 99.5 FM