Enhance Security At Worship Places – National Security Instructs Religious Groups

Following the incessant terrorist attacks in the West African sub region and the latest in neighbouring Togo, the Ministry of National Security has advised religious groups to strengthen security to avert attacks at worship centres.

The ministry says it is implementing new measures in public and places of worship to avert terrorist attacks in the country but advised religious leaders to be alert.

“While the Ministry of National Security is collaborating with the relevant State Security and Intelligence Agencies to institute measures to avert terrorist attacks in the country, your outfit is urged to enhance security, particularly in areas where mass gatherings are conducted,” a letter from the ministry to religious groups dated 12 May 2022, said.

“Following the increasing concerns over the expansion of terrorist groups in the sub-region, these measures have become necessary to protect the country”.

The caution comes barely 72-hours after terrorists attacked neighbouring Togo.

Among other things, the ministry said there should be the installation of CCTVs at designated public places of worship.

Other measures include engaging the services of approved private security guards at the places of worship.

“It would be recalled in 2013 that al-Shabab militants attacked the Westgate mall in Nairobi, leading to the death of about sixty (60) people, including the late Prof. Kofi Awoonor, a revered Ghanaian poet and author,” it added.

Earlier, the West Africa Center for Counter Extremism had announced that the terrorism attack on Togo claimed the lives of eight soldiers and 13 others were wounded.

They further cautioned security agencies in Ghana to be on guard.

It maintained that Ghana was saddled with several triggers, making it possible for extremists to take advantage.

“We are more vulnerable than the public probably would see or acknowledge, and it is important that we shied away from pretending that we are so insulated from the threat of violent extremism.”

“It is important that we begin to speak in terms that reflect the actual reality we are facing and what we can all do to help prevent it from happening from our soil,” Executive Director of WACCE, Mutaru Mumuni Mugthar told City FM.

Below is the letter from the Ministry of National Security: