"No imminent threat": Ghana rejects British and Canadian security alerts

General News on Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-06-12

The government has rejected recent travel notices concerning Ghana, saying the country is safe.

A statement released Tuesday by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, revealed that after reviewing the travel warnings on Monday, National Security officials concluded that there was no information available to them. action or imminent threat to Ghana.

"Ghana's security and risk profiles remain largely unchanged despite recent developments in the subregion. The country's security apparatus continues to be reorganized and vigilant to deal with any major threat to security in the jurisdiction, "the statement said.

British citizens living in Ghana have been warned by their government to be vigilant as terrorists are likely to carry out attacks in Ghana.

The alert also indicated that localized demonstrations of civil unrest could occur in the short term and become violent. He added that attacks could be blind, including in places visited by strangers.

"Terrorists will probably try to launch attacks in Ghana. The attacks could be blind, even in places visited by strangers. Terrorist groups badociated with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Islamic State of Libya and the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) pose a threat to the region. These groups have demonstrated their capacity and intent by stepping up attacks against security forces and civilians in a number of countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali.

"Although there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, you must remain vigilant, especially in northern border areas and in busy public places (seaside resorts, hotels, cafes, restaurants and places of worship) across the country, "said the alert on The British government's website said.

The warning came a few days after a similar warning had been issued by Canada following the kidnapping of two Canadian citizens.

The Ghanaian travel advisory issued by the Ghanaian government advised Ghanaians, foreign residents and visitors to continue to live normally without fear.

However, it encouraged them to remain aware of safety.

"Potential visitors are also advised that, like other Western jurisdictions, isolated crimes must not detract from the security and hospitality for which Ghana is so well known."

The growing trend of kidnappings in Ghana has left concerned citizens and security agencies in a state of alarm.