Ghanaian Security on high alert over fears of terrorists attack

The National Security Coordinator, Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey is assuring Ghanaians the country's security agencies are alert and ready to foil any terrorist attacks.

The insurgency of Islamist rebels in northern part of Mali, whose activities have spilled over into Algeria has caused anxiety in Ghana as the country contributes troops to ward off the rebels.

Some security experts have raised concern about the possibility of Ghana being targeted by the terrorists for supporting the offensive against the rebels.

But the country’s National Security Coordinator in an interview with Joy News Thursday, assured that the security agencies “are up to speed in taking care of our people and ensuring their safety”.

Col. Gbevlo Lartey, however, underscored the need for public to also be vigilant.

As far as the readiness of the security agencies is concerned, he said, “it is nothing too much of a problem for the security agency because it takes a short time to bring them up to a certain level of alertness”.

He conceded that the possibility of Ghana being attacked by these rebel groups is high.

He explained: “Every country will continue to face threats, it is the level of risk that is important, and it is the measures that we take to continue to maintain surveillance and internal vigilance around that is important.”

West African defense chiefs, including Ghana, have already approved plans to speed up the deployment of African troops against Islamist rebels in northern part of Mali, with some regional soldiers possibly arriving next week.

According to Col. Gbevlo Lartey, Ghana’s decision to participate in the operation is in order, saying it is in line with what the international community thinks it is right to do.