Story by: Kouyo Moses Desire (Student Journalist)
The Executive Director for the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar has warned Ghanaians against creating fear and panic among themselves with threats of terror attacks.
Although he clamored for extra vigilance to prevent any possible attack, he said it is essential to have a conversation about not creating panic within the system.
While speaking on the New Day show on TV3, an Accra-based TV station on Monday, June 6, 2022, he explained that many countries are dealing with terror attacks but they do not allow that to interfere with their normal daily life.
“…More importantly, I think the conversation we should also be having is how not to create panic in the system. There are many countries that are dealing with terrorism and yet it does not get in the way of their normal daily life as people and so, it is important that that part of the conversation is featured in our conversation,” he said.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
His warning seeks to address Deputy National Security Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kweku Asomani’s recent assertion that Ghana is a target of a terror attack.
According to Mr. Asomani, the terrorists have been targeting mostly resource-rich countries therefore since Ghana is replete with natural resources, it makes it a prime target for terrorists.
While addressing a press conference on the measures that have been put in place to prevent the attacks from happening in the country, on Sunday, May 22, Mr. Asomani said Ghanaians are not exempted from that terrorism since the attackers appear to be attacking countries that are rich in natural resources and as such Ghana could also be a target.
“We are not insulated from those attacks therefore, we know that the terrorists want access to the sea, the nature of the various attacks we have all seen in the sub-region indicates that wherever they go there is some form of mineral or natural resource there particularly gold. So the question therefore is, if they attack cities and towns in Burkina Faso that have gold deposits, clearly, Ghana will be a target. We are therefore a target that is why we are here today to seek the support of Ghanaians.” Mr. Asomani professed