Accra:Ghana cannot afford to lower its guard against violent extremism and terrorism despite its current stability, cautioned Major General Tim Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre (NCTFC).
According to Ghana Web, Major General Ba-Taa-Banah highlighted the need for more than just physical border security to safeguard the nation amidst growing instability in the West African sub-region. He emphasized the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, public vigilance, and seamless collaboration among state security agencies.
While assuring the public of Ghana's current preparedness, he warned against complacency, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to intercept potential threats. Major General Ba-Taa-Banah explained that although the country is secure, it must not become complacent in maintaining its security posture.
He further stressed that Ghana's relative peace compared to its Sahelian neighbors can only be preserved through the vigilance of both citizens and security forces. He urged local communities to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities, underscoring public cooperation as the strongest line of defense in sustaining national security.
Ghana remains one of the few coastal West African nations that has avoided major jihadist attacks, even as militant groups expand their operations southward from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.