This comes after the attempts by National Security operatives and the Police to raid the house of the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.

According to the former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, the police had agreed with the Regional Chair on a specific date for a meeting for an interaction.

“They invited the Chairman to come to Accra, he didn’t dispute, there is an agreement that he is going to adhere to that,” Dr. Amoah told JoyNews at the NPP Chair’s premises. “Preceding that, these people are here. We don’t even know if they are truly National Security operatives. Anybody can put anything at all, hold any card and put up with such behavior,” he said.

On Friday morning, a joint security team of police and National Security operatives surrounded the home of Chairman of the NPP in Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.

The security operatives who stormed the home of Chairman Wontumi claimed to have a search warrant.

But the Nhyiaeso MP who was at the residence indicated “within five months they haven’t done anything. They are only going around arresting people.

“They can even go to people’s houses with a covered face. Even military rule won’t do that. Power is transient, we can’t be controlled by cowardice or fear, but we think we need to adhere to common principles on which we are thriving as citizens.”

According to the Nhyiaeso MP, the NPP will resort to other means of protecting their members if the intimidation and unlawful arrests continue.

“We want to cooperate with them, Ghanaians voted massively for the President, and we support the leadership but if they don’t accept that we also have what it takes to defend ourselves and they continue to do this, we will advise ourselves,” said Dr. Amoah.

The National Security operatives later reached an agreement with the legal team of the NPP Chairman to stop the forceful entry to the house.

It is resolved that the Chairman will be produced at the National Security Headquarters on Monday.

Adom News can report that officers from the Ghana Police Service, some fully armed, have been deployed to maintain law and order at the assembly premises.

The presence of security personnel has created a heavily monitored atmosphere aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly confirmation process.

They are also present to witness the confirmation of Ebi Bright, the President’s nominee for the position of MCE for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly.

Entry into the main chamber, where the confirmation is taking place, was strictly controlled, with tight security checks at the entrance.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Shai-Osudoku, led a delegation from the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to oversee the confirmation process.

The heightened security measures reflect the significance of the event and the commitment to ensuring a smooth confirmation.

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The containers were traced to a warehouse in Sapeiman, Ga South Municipality, where a special operation was launched following a tip-off.

The hidden currency, primarily bundles of U.S. dollars, was discovered inside wooden boxes filled with cement.

During the sting operation, additional boxes opened in the warehouse revealed more cash concealed in compartments barricaded with plywood and sealed with charcoal.

According to National Security operatives, two containers remain unaccounted for, but state security trackers are actively pursuing them.

Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for four suspects, including a ringleader known only as Alhaji.

The warehouse search uncovered even more alarming discoveries, including boxes of metals suspected to be gold bars, counterfeit Ghana cedi notes in ₵50 and ₵100 denominations, as well as fake Ghana Army uniforms and boots.

During her first meeting with the management and staff of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on February 3, Madam Ocloo announced the reintroduction of the Regional Sanitation Day and an award scheme for the cleanest city to improve sanitation in the region.

She emphasized the need to empower municipal and district assemblies to become self-sustaining as part of the government’s “Resetting Agenda.”

“I will closely work with traditional authorities, religious organizations, and other stakeholders to deepen decentralization and enhance participatory governance,” she stated.

Ms Ocloo also highlighted plans to strengthen Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and local districts to improve revenue generation for sustainable development.

“Strengthening the zonal and area councils will continue to monitor and provide technical backstopping to MMDAs as mandated by the Local Governance Act 936,” she added.

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The aggrieved group, reportedly unhappy with Mr. Sarpong’s appointment, argued that he was not part of the NDC’s struggles during its time in opposition and should not be allowed to hold such a significant position under the current administration.

The group also alleged that Mr. Sarpong has affiliations with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), further fueling their dissatisfaction.

Following a heated confrontation with security personnel, the group eventually agreed to leave the premises but vowed to return if Mr. Sarpong remains in office.

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According to him, “guns in elections are not good for our democracy,” stating that there is a vast difference between the politicization of the security services and the politics of security, and he warned that confusion between the two can lead to serious issues.

“The politics of security is different from the politicization of security services. A line must be drawn: let’s do politics that promotes our country, but let us not politicize our security services,” he said on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, October 29.

His remarks follow a violent incident involving the Agona West NPP Constituency Nasara Coordinator, Haruna Rashid, who was shot during a campaign clash in Agona Nyarkrom, Central Region.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. while Rashid was traveling with the convoy of Agona West NPP Parliamentary Candidate Chris Arthur. Three other individuals were injured in the clash.

According to police sources, supporters of Chris Arthur and Cynthia Morrison, a rival candidate, encountered each other while campaigning in the same area.

Tensions escalated when Arthur’s convoy encountered a roadblock allegedly set up by Morrison’s supporters.

As the convoy tried to turn back, shots were fired, and Rashid, who also serves as Arthur’s campaign manager, was struck in the ribs.

In light of this, Superintendent Toobu stressed that elections come and go, but impunity persists when those in power fail to enforce the law effectively.

He explained that when the state shows an inability to protect its citizens, individuals are likely to take matters into their own hands by seeking personal security.

He cited previous incidents, such as the shooting involving Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the licensed firearm use by Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, both of which went unaddressed.

“So it tells you the state itself must be proactive to be fair to its citizenry, and everybody will respect the law,” he said.

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The injunction was filed by Chief Inspector Richard Asamoah from the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters on September 17, 2024.

In a recent update, the Police have assured the public that they are fully prepared to maintain law and order during the planned protest by the Democracy Hub Group, which is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23, 2024.

The protest will be held at Revolution Square, located across Liberation Road, opposite Jubilee House.

The Ghana Police Service has stated that further details on security measures for the demonstration will be provided on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The Democracy Hub Group initially announced their plans for a three-day demonstration on July 15, 2024.

Their protest aims to highlight critical national issues, including socio-economic injustice, unemployment, rising poverty, state capture, nepotism, corruption, and the need for judicial independence.

The group has confirmed that they followed the proper legal procedures by formally notifying the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, in compliance with the Public Order Act.

This comes after the body of a middle-aged man was found in a school building with his head and manhood chopped off.

He noted that, residents are currently calm due to speculation that the victim may not be a native of Bole.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, he said, “What we need from the government and also from the IGP is very serious support. We are running a police deficit in Bole here. We need more men, and if it would take us to get military intervention in this matter, we would be happy.”

He mentioned that the Bole Wura has authorised the assembly to organise community watch groups to patrol the electoral areas.

Mr Hassan also noted that there is currently a self-imposed curfew where people are indoors from 8 to 9 p.m.

“The people of Bole are in fear and panic; we do not have the sound mind to go to the farm. People do not even go to the farm because they fear that when they go to their farms, somebody might kill them”.

Also, Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana, has called for immediate action from the security services to address the recent killings.

Speaking via Zoom on the JoyNews AM Show, he said, “It is when the person is killed and identified as being native that is where you sometimes feel tension. But for me, it doesn’t matter whether the person is a native or a stranger. What is happening is unnecessary; what is happening is cruel; what is happening is unacceptable.”

“And all hands must be on deck so that we are able to resolve it. Let’s not forget that today is Bole, tomorrow is Wa, the next time is Accra, and the next time is other places in this country. So, I think that the military, the police, and those who have what it takes to be able to nip this situation in the bud should do it and do it fast so that it doesn’t escalate and create more problems for us.”

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According to the Wa Central MP, the most vulnerable security officers or guards are those who rely solely on their physical strength as their primary weapon.

The Ghana Police Service has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of two people in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region.

The two incidents were recorded on Tuesday at the Wa East Education Service office and the Wa Model JHS School.

“We would like to assure the public, especially the residents of Wa, to remain calm as the police work to get those involved arrested to face justice,” the service said in a statement.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Mr Rashid Pelpuo said, “The people who are killed are normally security men whose weapons are their bodies, and besides that, the police who go after them do not seem to be well-equipped technically and with the needed equipment.”

Mr Rashid Pelpuo pointed out that observations of law enforcement in Western countries, as depicted in movies and reports, highlight the Ghanaian police force’s inadequate resources for investigating and apprehending murderers, which presents a significant challenge.

He advocated for sending specially trained personnel to Wa to handle the investigation and the apprehension of the criminals involved.

“For the kind of police work we are doing now, it does not look like we are prepared for a thorough investigation into issues like this, which is internal and very sophisticated. We do not have that sophistication at all,” he noted.

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Dr Dampare thus asked Ghanaians in the diaspora and other nationals to make Ghana their destination of choice as they will be fully protected.

“We want to assure you that this Christmas will be awesome. I assure you that the police will give you a double overdose of security.

“So Ghana is ready, to all the tourists I want to assure you that Ghana is ready, the police is ready, come and enjoy our hospitality. We will protect you and all your belongings,” he said.

The meeting was part of the police administration’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders as part of security preparations ahead of the yuletide.

On Monday, the IGP and the police management board met with some Muslim leaders while on Tuesday the team engaged members of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and members of the Creative Arts industry respectively.

These days, you have to ask yourself if you really even need to own a wallet. After all, there are quite a few things that you should immediately stop keeping in your wallet (if you haven’t already). But even more importantly, don’t you have most of that stuff stored on your phone?

The fact is, there are things you should never store in your cell phone—because doing so can leave you vulnerable to an invasion of privacy, identity theft, and straight-up theft. Here’s what you need to think twice about storing on your phone.

Your passwords

The irony of passwords is that they’re supposed to make our data secure, and, increasingly, we’re advised to always use a “strong” password and never use the same password more than once. As a result, it’s increasingly difficult to remember passwords without a cheat sheet of some kind.

But if you actually use one—especially one you store on your cell phone in the form of a note, a document, or even in autofill—you’re putting your data at risk. If you were to lose possession of your phone, someone might easily see your “cheat sheet,” but even if you always have your phone on your person, whatever passwords you store on your phone can end up stored in the cloud, putting your accounts at risk—even accounts that aren’t tied to your phone.

Instead of keeping a list of your passwords or relying on autofill, consider downloading a well-rated password manager such as Keeper, Dashlane, or LastPass, so that all of your passwords can be accessed by you using one strong master password.

Your fingerprint

If you really want to keep your cell phone secure, don’t be tempted into using fingerprint identification to open your phone (or any of its apps or accounts). There are several imaginable scenarios in which someone in your physical presence could force a log-in using your fingerprint.

Examples include a thief using physical force or a late-night post-party “prank.” While there is nothing to say a thief couldn’t force you to input your password, the simple fact is that a phone that requires a password to unlock it requires more steps to unlock and is therefore more secure.

In addition, there is always the possibility your fingerprint can be stolen. While it’s a slight risk, the loss would be immense, which makes using your fingerprint something to think twice about.

Your face

Anyone who has struggled with getting their phone to recognize their face when they’re holding their phone at a weird angle might argue that storing your face in your phone as a password alternative is more secure than a fingerprint.

While that may be true, when it comes to unlocking your phone, the fact remains that facial recognition is still less secure than simply using a password.

Your very personal photos and videos

Maybe you’re really good about maintaining your social media accounts as cleanly and privately as possible, but what about the photos and videos you store on your phone? If you have photos you wouldn’t want your parents, spouse, children, or boss to see, then you shouldn’t store those photos on your smartphone, especially since the contents of your phone may well be stored on the cloud.

But if you feel you must store those naughty photos somewhere, then consider storing them not on your cell phone but on a personal computer only you have the password to open. You might also consider storing them in a password-protected album or app.

Any photos containing private information

Remember the days when losing your wallet meant reconstructing your whole life to figure out which credit cards and forms of ID you needed to cancel and replace? Now, all you have to do is take a photo of each item and store it on your phone, right?

Well, that’s certainly a convenient way to keep track of “what’s in your wallet.” But it can also leave your information vulnerable to hacking, particularly if your photos are stored on the cloud. As with photos you’d rather not see leaked, you might wish to consider storing them on a personal computer only you have access to, and/or a password-protected album or app.

Anything personal if you’re using an employer-issued phone

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. There’s also no such thing as a free work phone. That phone you were issued by your employer comes at a steep price: your privacy. If your employer provided you with a phone to support remote work or for any other reason, you should have no expectation of privacy for anything you do on that phone.

For your personal life, the best option is using a separate phone and phone number. One budget-minded option is a burner phone.

Your online bank account

If you think online banking is the greatest thing since sliced bread, you’re not alone. Nor are you wrong to think so. But the convenience online banking affords—the ability to bank anywhere, anytime—comes at a cost: your privacy.

Carrying your bank account with you on your phone means that you’re risking losing control of it in the event you lose your phone…or even lose track of an old phone that you no longer use.

To manage the risk, you might consider avoiding doing your online banking on your phone. Instead, do it on a computer that never leaves your home. If you find that you simply must take your online banking with you wherever you go, just be sure to use a strong, unique password to unlock your banking app.

Your home address

Storing your home address on the navigation apps you use most makes getting home from anywhere super-easy and convenient. But it can also leave you vulnerable. If a thief ends up with your phone in their physical possession, they can simply click on Waze or Google Maps and see what you’ve stored as “home,” or “work,” for that matter.

It is also not inconceivable that your home or work address could wind up hacked or otherwise leaked. If you like keeping those addresses handy so you don’t have to re-input them time and time again, then at least make finding your home or work address a bit more challenging to would-be criminals by giving them a code word as an identifier, like “gym.”

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It was gathered that the singer had arrived late for his show at Baltimore, Maryland and had performed only for 10 minutes when his security’s gun went missing.

Videos shared online captured him in a panicking state when he got wind of the development and had to hurriedly leave the stage.

He maneuvered his way out of the auditorium which was filled with throngs of fans.

He was closely trailed by his numerous guards who ensured his safe evacuation from the show.

Further reports suggest that the singer did not continue his performance and declined to refund the money to the show promoters.

Meanwhile, Asake has apologised to his fans and organisers for failing to stick to his part of the bargain.

Watch video below:

According to him, ‘all is not well’.

Speaking in an interview with Emefa Apawu on The Probe on Sunday, the Deputy Minister cited a recent extremist attack in Togo; cautioning that, the attackers have devised very sophisticated ways of wreaking havoc, therefore the need for Ghana to stay alert.

‘So we cannot sit and fold our arms, thinking that all is well. All is not well. And we need to prepare. We need to be vigilant. We need to really, like we say in Ghana, ‘shine our eyes the more’. Because if you look around, all the countries around Ghana, in one way or the other have been hit. We are the only country left standing.

If I say we’re the only country left standing, talk of Burkina they’ve been hit. Talk of Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, they’ve all experienced this bitter pill from these extremists. And when you look at the southward movement of these groupings, clearly, one thing is obvious, they’re looking to find a coastal country” he said.

Kofi Amankwa-Manu, who is also the MP for Atwima Kwanwoma, mentioned Cote D’Ivoire as one of the countries of interest, adding that, “We in Ghana, must begin to, like I said, shine our eyes and then really try to fight this crime”.

In his opinion, the activities of extremists can be described as a crime because they end up destroying valuable lives and properties.

Having emphasised the need for Ghana to be on the lookout, he however revealed that Ghana’s security apparatus, are on standby to mitigate any invasions from the lurking extremists in the sub-region.

The concerns by the Deputy Defence Minister, come in the wake of a recent report by the West Africa Center for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), which says Ghana’s political stability may be disrupted, in the wake of terrorism in the Sahel and other domestic challenges in the country such as youth unemployment.

In a report by the regional security research organisation, it said even though Ghana has been relatively peaceful over the years, there is the likelihood of an upsurge, due to recent happenings in the sub-region, and neighbouring countries such as Benin, Togo and Ivory Coast.

WACCE maintained that the threats of political instability can, however, be forestalled if measures are put in place to prevent the impending dangers.

“The threat of terrorism is increasingly descending from the Sahel towards the Coastal States. Today more than 53% of all ECOWAS states are experiencing insurgencies. The pervasive spillover phenomenon makes Ghana’s border regions a key area of concern.

“Recent attacks in Benin, Togo and Ivory Coast highlight the determination of the terrorists to expand beyond landlocked Sahelian countries, where the insurgency has devastated thousands of lives and property in the last decade.

“Ghana has a big number of prolonged unresolved chieftaincy and ethnic conflicts and tensions, particularly in the Northern regions.

“The inherently high exploitative capacity of extremists implies that these vulnerabilities put Ghana in danger of terrorist exploitation”, a summary of the report revealed.

The report further stated that “Many analyses project the pervasive youth unemployment rate of about 59% as one of the biggest risks. The present government set up the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) to absorb the high number of unemployed graduates, most of them temporarily.

The growing joblessness has driven many onto cyberspace to live in an illicit economy.

The determination of social activists such as the #FixTheCountry campaigners to exploit the security, economic and governance challenges amplifies the risks associated with youth grievances.

The above highlight the widespread nature of the threat to Ghana and underscores the importance and urgency needed to escalate national commitment to preventing the threat from spilling into Ghana”.

All regional commands with the support of the National Operations, the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate and the Police Intelligence Directorate, according to the outfit, are working to ensure that all persons who travel for the celebrations do so in safety.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, DCOP Kwesi Ofori.

It added security arrangements have also been made to cover the paragliding activities and traditional Easter celebrations at Kwahu.

The police have further pledged commitment to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property during the season and beyond.

Read the full statement below:

The analyst with more than 20 years of experience said the Nima Police Division should be questioned over the brawl among the two gangs in the area as they are responsible for ensuring peace in the area.

He noted that such violence is not new in the country as Kasao, Budumbram as well as other areas within Ashaiman community in the country have recorded similar incidents.

“Mine is that what is happening in Nima is just a repeat occurrence and to probably let us know that the guns, weapons, firearms still exist and they operate very well knowing well that sometimes they will not come after them,” he said.

Mr Bonaa bemoaned that the location is noted to be close to the president’s house and as such, the police should have ensured no threat whatsoever to their security.

“Mine is that the Nima Police Division should have known this. I mean it is just a road that divides Nima Police Division and the presidents’ house and the president lives at Nima. So my point is that if the presidents’ house comes under attack, what will happen? So for me we should be asking the Nima Police Division questions, we need to ask them questions,” he stressed.

He further urged the Divisional Commander of the Nima Police Division to communicate all resources posing as a challenge in administering their responsibility of ensuring peace in the community.

He then called on the leaders responsible in resourcing the Police (Finance Minister) to do the needful to ensure top-notch security of the country.

Nima witnessed mass violence around 3:30 pm Tuesday, and the Police quickly intervened. The violence spread across some sections of Nima but was promptly stabilised.

Seven persons have since been arrested and aiding with information.

The Majority in a statement disclosed the number of security personnel the Speaker has and the duty they perform within his office, chamber and his place of residence.

“He has four police officers in his known residence. He has three police officers in his secretariat, and he has five other policemen in and around the Speaker’s office block any day, any time,” the Majority said in a statement.

“Indeed, none of the previous Speakers had half of the Police cover as has been accorded Rt. Hon. Bagbin. It must be emphasised for the record that Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been served with the largest number of security personnel for his protection that none of the previous Speakers had,” it added.

However, while speaking in an interview, Mr Dafeamekpor reiterated that such a revelation will put the life and security of the House as well as the Speaker at risk.

According to him, the Majority has breached State Protocol for revealing the security details of the Speaker, which has exposed his security strength.

“And it’s a very dangerous thing the Majority caucus has done to the image of the Speaker. And I insist and want to put on record that they have breached state protocol and the security arrangement of the Speaker. They have practically revealed the security strength of the Speaker at any point,” he bemoaned.

“They have told the whole world including criminals about the number of police he has, and if you can prepare go and attack him, this is the number of security he has,” he added.

He again described as disappointing the Majority leader’s stance to defend the action of their side in parliament.

A letter from the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Andoh, to the Speaker ordered the withdrawal of four military personnel.

According to the statement, the military personnel being called back did not go through the right processes before being attached to the Speaker’s office.

The soldiers; WO1 Jafaru Bunwura, WOII Apugiba Awine David, S/Sgt Agbley Prosper and Sgt. Bonney Prince had been serving the office since January 2021.

The command said though Ghana has not experienced any terrorism or extremism, it cannot leave the security of the residents to chance.

In an interview with JoyNews, the Northern Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent Bernard Baba Ananga, said the service would ensure maximum security is provided for worshipers.

 “So far, what we have collated for ourselves is that we have about 31 churches within the Tamale Metropolis and we need to police them this Christmas and the New Year. We would deploy men to all these churches to ensure a violent free and road carnage free Christmas,” he said.

Superintendent Ananga also added that recent happenings in Burkina Faso are still fresh on the minds of many.

“We cannot just say Ghana has never experienced issues of terrorism or extremism, let’s just look at Burkina Faso which is not far from us. Every day we see and hear what is happening there, so it’s also better that we are proactive instead of reactive,” he stressed.

He said in the coming days, the command would be conducting swoops within the metropolis and the various districts, especially in areas where there have been reports of suspicious activities.

“We would also be conducting swoops to fish out these criminals,” Superintendent Ananga said.

Again, Superintendent Ananga revealed that the Regional commander has taken steps to ensure an incident-free and crime-free holiday.

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“We would flood the streets. We would do both night and day patrols. We would also be on the road directing traffic and there would be the deployment of plain cloth personnel and uniform personnel as well in the city,” he said.

Some of the residents who also spoke to JoyNews shared their expectations ahead of the festive season.

According to the residents, they want to see more police check points and patrol teams in the city and the highways.

This is to ensure proper security for all those working in the House by the beginning of the Third Meeting of the House.

These vehicle undercarriage scanners are designed to scan the whole of a vehicle and its contents without having to open it or its boot compartment and are provided with a monitor to display the contents of the vehicle on the screen.

The need for the installation of the vehicle undercarriage scanners has been on the drawing board for some time now.

This resulted in the hiring of two undercarriage scanners placed at the two main gates during this year’s presentation of the State of the Nation Address on 9th March.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Majority Leader in Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made these disclosures as part of answers on the floor of Parliament when answering an urgent parliamentary question on Monday, August 2.

The question stood in the name of the Afadzato South Member of Parliament (MP), Angelina Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay, who asked to know measures put in place to check vehicles entering parliamentary precincts to ensure the security of those working in the House.

The Majority Leader, who doubles as MP for Suame, in his answer said Parliament is considered a High-Value Target, hence the need for vehicles entering its precincts to be thoroughly searched to ensure weapons or explosive ordinance devices are not concealed in them.

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He indicated that the need for an outright purchase of the undercarriage scanners as a permanent feature in Parliament’s physical security infrastructure was one of the recommendations made during the 2021 post-State of the Nation Address Event.

Subsequently, he said, the Marshals Departments proposed the installation of these undercarriage scanners at the three vehicular entrances and exits of the house namely, the Ceremonial Gate, the Protocol Gate and the North-Western PWD Gate.

According to the House Leader, the necessary processes are therefore being undertaken towards the purchase of the scanners and that procurement process will be expedited so that by the time the House reconvenes in October, undercarriage scanners will have been put in place.

He further disclosed that the security facilities earlier donated by the Chinese government including sets of X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Walk-Through Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors and Human Body Security Detector facilities have been put into application and are playing important roles in the House’s security protection work.

According to him, the security of the House has been compromised and as such needs a relooking at.

The Speaker made the disclosure at the inauguration of the eighth Parliamentary Service Board on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

“We have no control over the coming in and going out of the premises by strangers, and this compromises the security of Parliament and its members. There have been numerous instances of break-ins and thefts,” he bemoaned.

He also charged the board to work to enhance and other departments such as the Drafting Unit of the Parliamentary Service, to be able to support Members of Parliament to initiate Private Members’ Bills.

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The board, chaired by the Speaker, has the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of Government Business, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; the Minority Leader and Mr Haruna Iddrisu as its members.

Others include; former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament and former Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidoo, Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, as well as the Clerk to Parliament, Mr Cyril Nsiah, as members.

The appointment of the six-member board followed a recommendation by the Advisory Committee of Parliament to the Speaker.

The controversial update to WhatsApp’s terms, asking users to allow their personal data to be shared with its owner Facebook, stirred a lot of debate about privacy concerns, causing some users to instantly delete the app.

Signal’s popularity shot up further on Thursday after it was endorsed by Elon Musk, who has one of the most-followed accounts on Twitter, and by Twitter’s own top boss Jack Dorsey.

Ironically, WhatsApp uses Signal’s end-to-end encryption protocol to secure users’ chats.

More than 100,000 users installed Signal across the app stores of Apple and Google in the last two days, while Telegram picked up nearly 2.2 million downloads, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower.

New installs of WhatsApp fell 11% in the first seven days of 2021 compared with the prior week, but that still amounted to an estimated 10.5 million downloads globally, Sensor Tower said.

The security deployment, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, tagged as a Gestapo-style invasion; a secret state police for exercising cruel and evil dealings.

“We strongly condemn the obvious creeping despotism and blatant misuse of the national security apparatus to advance narrow parochial partisan interests”.

“Parliaments in every democratic jurisdiction represent the bulwark of democratic freedoms and we insist that this excessive abuse of state power to intimidate Members of Parliament represents a desecration of our highly revered parliamentary democracy and a grave affront to the dignity of the legislative arm”.

The NDC says the security deployment goes against the good parliamentary democracy and a breach of their privileges and discharge of their lawful functions.

As the Commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and Chair of the National Security Council, the NDC says it holds Akufo-Addo directly responsible for the “unwarranted and reckless” deployment.

The NDC caucus in Parliament demands the immediate withdrawal of this detachment of soldiers, police personnel and purported national security operatives.

“We shall continue to resist the mindless assault on the pillars of our constitutional democracy. Ghana is not a dictatorship. Those who seek to erode our democratic gains and usher us into a tyrannic dispensation would be fought and defeated.

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The NDC Parliamentary Caucus refuses to sit idle and allow the House of the People’s Representatives to be taken hostage in scenes reminiscent of the recent state-sponsored thuggery witnessed at EC Collation Centres where similar invasions led to needles loss of lives and injuries”.

Deriving motivation form the national anthem, the opposition says it will continue to resist oppressor’s rule, especially when they know they are “on the side of the people, on the side of right, on the side of good conscience, on the side of justice”.

The Leadership advised the MPs to schedule their meetings and head home by 6:pm or lodge in a hotel than drive home late.

New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Ayensuano and Chairman of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Samuel Aye Paye, told Adom News the killing has put fear in the MPs.

Mr Paye said the decision of the shooter to kill Mr Hayford simply by identifying himself as an MP shows they are all at risk.

He also made references to the late J.B. Danquah-Adu and Prof Benneh as classic examples of why the MPs need extra protection.

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Mr Paye suggested Fire or Prison Service officers should be given special training to act as security attaché to the legislators.

Meanwhile, Vice-chairman of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, says the killing of the MP shows Ghana is facing a security breakdown.

Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, also said he wants National Security to do cost benefit analysis of providing security for MPs.

Addressing the service, Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Afful Boakye-Yiadom, explained the task ahead is a difficult one, which requires requisite energy.

He advised his personnel to store enough energy by eating well, exercising and above all reduce their sexual rounds to stay fit before, during and after the parliamentary and presidential elections.

He made the remark after the Ghana Police Service’s route march on some streets of Accra to declare their readiness to uphold security.

Adding his voice, Director-General in charge of operations, DCOP Kwaku Boadu-Peprah also reiterated the need for personnel to desist from partisan politics.

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He explained the time to exercise their political powers should be in the ballot box, adding that any political bias will not be tolerated.

The security services have deployed a total of 48,000 personnel in the bid to ensure smooth conduct of the District Assembly and Unit Committee elections without any hindrance of a sort.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Eklu, it said: “NESTF has deployed personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana National Fire Service as well as the Customs Division while personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces will be on standby”.

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NESTF is however admonishing the public to adhere to laws regulating the conduct of elections in Ghana, adding that any violation of the exercise will not be tolerated.

Find the statement below:

Security Analyst, Irbad Ibrahim, reacting to public cynicism following news of weapons and explosives discovery in parts of Accra, says a truck load of weapons is not needed in carrying out a coup.

According to him, though the weapons on display may look basic, Ghanaians should not take chances since nobody knows the intent of the persons involved.

“No weapon is too basic; though the weapons look personal, we cannot take chances. You don’t need a truck load of weapons or expect a Tomahawk cruise missiles for a coup,” he said.

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Watch full video above:

Source: Adomonline.com | Gertrude Otchere

The crying was because many of them could not fathom why their wards were denied admission after they were placed by the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS and given prospectus, with the reason that names of their wards were not on the list.

Some of the disillusioned parents coming from far and near said they spent between GH¢1,500-3,000 after their wards were given placement.

When the GNA got to the School around 0930 hours on Monday, police personnel were deployed to help maintain law and order at the campus.

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The students, numbering about 200 showed the GNA documents of placement from the school to buttress their claims, but were eventually asked to seek redress with the Regional Director of Education.

Some affected students with disappointment written on their faces said they were stranded as authorities insisted that their names were not on the list they received from the CSSPS secretariat.

“Now, our fortunes are uncertain as fresh students have already reported and academic work will soon start,” a prospective student said.

Another student who went with the parents from Juaboso in the Western Region North and had aggregate 12 earlier remarked that “all my nights of studies just to be in my dear school has fizzled out. My hopes are gone and I can’t comprehend what is happening here”.

A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity narrated how her son who had aggregate seven (7) was posted to the school and was subsequently given a prospectus, but did not find his name on the final list posted on the information board.

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She bought the items in the prospectus totaling GHC 3,000 and returned only to be told that his name was not on the school’s list and that her son could not be admitted.

Another father, who spent two days in Cape Coast, lamented how others had to shuttle back and forth from different parts of the country in an attempt to resolve the anomaly, but all proved futile as their luggage remained in the open and at the mercy of the weather.

Attempts to reach the Headmaster proved futile, but a notice on the information board indicated that a total of 1020 students were offered admission including; 655 and 365 for green and gold respectively.

However, at St. Augustine’s College, Mr. Francis Addo-Mensah, Assistant Headmaster-Academic confirmed the admission processes which commenced on Tuesday were smooth and progressing.

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Unlike Mfantsipim school, minor hitches encountered were rectified with dispatch to ease any commuting distances of parents that arrived from across the country.

The school registered a total of 389 students out of 500 fresh students are expected to increase the total population of the school to 1,500.

He stated clearly that, students who were self-placed did not have their names on the school portal and this could mainly be a problem originating from café fraud.

He again noted that they suspected at a point that the CSSPS were hacked and that forced them to update their placement list, yet after printing a new list, it tallied with the old one.

It was no different at the Adisadel College as an official who spoke with the GNA on condition of anonymity gave the assurance that admission was peaceful and calm since it started on Monday.

They were expecting 569 fresh students for both tracks but revealed that there were more vacancies for prospective students.

Source: GNA

An alert issued by the United Kingdom government said localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice and can become violent.

It added that the attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners. 

“Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ghana. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.Terrorist groups associated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) present a threat in the region. These groups have demonstrated capability and intent by mounting attacks against security forces and civilians in several countries, most recently in Burkina Faso and Mali.

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“While there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, you should remain vigilant, particularly in northern border areas and in busy public locations (including beach resorts, hotels, cafes, restaurants and places of worship) across the country,” the alerted on the UK government website stated.

The caution comes after a similar warning was issued by the Canadian authorities following the kidnapping of two of its citizens.

Kidnappings police report

A release by the police indicating progress with kidnapping cases in 2018

An Uber driver who had been booked to pick the two young ladies – Bailen Chitty, 19 and Lauren Patricia Catherine, 20 – is assisting police in investigations.

Police confirmed Bailen and Lauren’s kidnapping and have mounted a search for them.

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The security alert on the Canadian embassy’s website highlights Agbogbloshie, Ashaiman, Avenor, Nima, Sowutuom and Sukura suburbs as crime prone areas in Accra, warning Canadians who wish to visit or those already in the country to stay away from these areas especially at night. 

On the nature of crimes to be expected, it lists pickpocketing, purse snatching and attacks by some motor riders.

The alert warns Canadians to be conscious of their surroundings in Ghana, as “violent crimes such as armed robbery or kidnapping may occur.”

Kidnapped girls

An increasing trend of kidnappings in Ghana has left citizens worried and security agencies on high alert. Three girls kidnapped in Takoradi in the Western region last year have yet to be found.

Not too long ago, a 30-year-old Indian man was also kidnapped in Kumasi by gun-wielding men.

The kidnappers demanded a $500,000 ransom after sending photos of the victim to his family with a gun pointed to his head.

Umpakan Chodri was later rescued at Parkoso in the Asokore-Mampong Municipality by a team of police officers.

Before Umpakan’s abduction, police had foiled a kidnap-for-ransom incident involving a diplomat.

Sixty-one-year-old Nabil Makram Basbous, the Consular-General and Head of Mission of Estonia to Ghana was also kidnapped during his regular morning walk in his neighbourhood in Accra.

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Around 90,000 British nationals visit Ghana every year, the UK government notes that while most visits are trouble-free, crime does occur.

It explains that criminal activity ranging from petty street crime to violent crime can occur at any time. The travel advice for nationals is to take sensible precautions.

“There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time,” the alert added.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

A security expert at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Kingsley Adjei is predicting a low voter turnout in 2020 General elections.

Dr Adjei who was speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show “Dwaso Nsem” Friday says Ghana is treading on slippery ground.

He revealed current developments could affect the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

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“Ghana treading on slippery grounds. I think the National Security Coordination is very weak and must sit up else 2020 voter turnout will be low,” he stated.

The warning follows chaos and gunshots that nearly marred the Ayawaso West-Wuogon Constituency by-election on Thursday.

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The situation did not only force the National Democratic Congress to withdraw from the elections which eventually saw NPP’s candidate, Lydia Alhassan win over 68 percent of votes cast.

According to the security expert, it is important that elections in Ghana are conducted in a free environment devoid of fear, intimidation, and violence.

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He noted that the current vigilante attack and other violent-related incidents are an indication Ghana is not safe.

Security Analyst, Nicholas Okai has lauded the Akufo-Addo led administration for its efforts in strengthening security in the country.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, “Dwaso Nsem” on Wednesday, Mr Okai opined that the security situation in Ghana has seen significant improvement under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.

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“Though some Security analysts last year warned that Ghana was at a tipping point of instability, forecasting an infiltration of ISIS terrorist network into the country by 2020, I believe the security situation as at now has improved,” he noted

He, however, acknowledged that many Ghanaians have witnessed and continue to witness some issues of insecurity since the NPP took over the affairs since 2017.

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“Yes, there are instances where vigilante groups have caused mayhem in the country and all sorts of security risks but in all these, the government has been able to control the situation”, he said.

However, Mr Okai noted that collecting the needed intelligence by the police has seriously improved the running of their operations.

He therefore urged government to continue to resource the police to provide the needed security.

Dr Daniel Asare, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, said that would ensure the security of their revenue, which, hitherto, got into private pockets depriving the Hospital of its infrastructure development needs.

He said this at a get-together organised for the Junior Staff to commemorate the 95th Anniversary celebration of the Hospital.

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The get-together, which was at the instance of Dr Benard Okoe-Boye, the Board Chairman, was to create a platform to interact with the Staff to ascertain their needs and find solutions.

The major problems that ran through the over 17 departments of the Hospital were understaffing, poor salary structure, inadequate tools for medical care, non-payment of arrears, promotions, poor sanitation and lighting system.

Dr Asare said the Hospital’s management was planning to equip the Security Unit with the necessary tools to enable it to check illegal practices within the Hospital.

He assured the staff that Management would put in measures to address the problems facing them to enhance progress and development.

He said the Hospital would soon start training staff from other hospitals and urged those working at the Morgue to put their acts right to take up the training, which would start next year.

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Dr Okoe-Boye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku Krowor, commended the Staff for their dedication to duty and selflessness, which has brought the Hospital to its present status.

He said throughout his practise as a medical officer, he realised and acknowledged the enormous contributions of junior staff in the success of hospital work.

“That is why we decided to organise the party in recognition of your contributions and also to let you know that we are all equal and key partners in the developmental agenda of the Hospital.”

“We must all work hard, every single day, to change the wrong perceptions about the Hospital.”

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He promised to personally write to the Ministry of Energy to support the Hospital with streetlights to facilitate their work at night.

Mr John Ayarik, the President of Ghana Orderlies Association, called for respect for each one, especially the orderlies, as they complement the work of nurses and doctors among others, adding; “Without the orderlies, work will not go on well”.

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital was 95 years on October 9, this year.

He particularly heaped praises on Lt. Col. Joseph Malik Punamane, head of Security at the Tema Port and his lieutenants as heroes of the moment for successfully thwarting a potential terror attack.

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“Nobody is talking about the smooth professionalism that they displayed and it is a shame because if an attack had taken place, the media would have been awash with the bad news,” Ofoe Teye said.

Nene, who is also the Tema East Constituency Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) said that national honours were in order for Lt. Col. JM Punamane and his charges at the Tema Port.

In collaboration with his Deputy, Kingsley Darko, Col. Punamane is said to have arrested a suspected Irish terrorist and his Ghanaian accomplice, 25-year-old David Kammermeier who was picked up at about 12:45 on Wednesday, 17th October at the Port when he was found suspiciously loitering about Berth 13 of the Port.

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He said Col. Punamane and his charges who were on high-security alert since reports emerged that Ghana’s power barge in Tema had become a target for terrorists, quickly picked Mr Kammermeier up on Wednesday afternoon.

During preliminary investigations, Mr Kammermeier mentioned Nicolas Ocansey, a freight forwarder with a company called Hangola Ghana Limited, as the person who aided him to gain entry to the port.

It has since emerged that David Kammermeier had suspicious footprints in many countries, including Germany, Morocco, Niger, Senegal and Burkina Faso, where he was arrested.

However, due to lack of concrete evidence, the Burkinabe authorities released him.

The Irish suspect and his Ghanaian collaborator have since been handed over to the Tema regional branch of the Bureau of National Investigations, and information he claimed that he was on a study tour in Ghana.

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“Whatever the outcome of the investigation, one cannot help but applaud the professionalism that Lt. Col. Punamane and his lieutenants have displayed and I think this deserves to be praised,” Nene Ofoe-Teye said.

He used the opportunity to assure both local and foreign patrons of the Tema Port that security was tight and reliable and since the posting of Col. Punamane there, the overall security atmosphere had improved remarkably with sea patrols and even security at the anchorage of the port beefed up.

“It is due to this heightened sense of security that David kammermeier was detected and picked up quickly.

Evans Amarh, a Security personnel at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, added his voice to the praise singing saying Lt. Col. Malik Punamane and his charges richly deserved it.

Mr Amarh, who is also the Deputy Constituency Organizer of Tema East NDC said, “the praise should be extended to the current Director General of GPHA, Mr. Michael Luguje, and the Board Chairman, Mr Peter MacManu, as well.

“There has been mature cordiality between the Board Chair and the Director-General and this has created a good working environment for all the departments, including the security department, to work fluidly,” Mr. Amarh concluded.

According to the 2016 Auditor General’s report, the Ministry paid the amount to Magnum Force Security Company Limited for providing internal security to the Ministry which could have been easily done by the Ghana Police Service at no cost.

The report also revealed that the said expenditure was a drain on the Ministry’s scarce resources since the whole of the country’s internal security apparatus was under it.

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But appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on Wednesday, 15 August 2018, Interior Minister Ambrose Dery justified the use of the private security.

He said the country was already overstretched as a result of the police civilian population and could not have afforded to let officers man its premises when they were needed to police the streets and other dangerous areas.

This follows the stabbing of a female sandwich diploma student at the Akuafo hall by her alleged boyfriend in the Akuafo Main Hall P Block, Room 12.

The suspect came stabbed his alleged girlfriend several times on the neck until she was unconscious after suspecting she was cheating on him.

The victim, Zara Hussein, sustained a deep cut in the neck after her lover, named Musah, stabbed her with a broken ceramic receptacle.

According to reports, Musah who is not a student after trying tirelessly to reach the victim on phone decided to come to her on campus.

When he arrived, Zara was said to have stopped him from entering the room but he insisted following which she allowed him in, only to find another man in her room.

Suspecting that Zara was cheating on him, Musah attacked the other man following which a heated argument ensued.

Zara is said to have backed the other man which angered Musah. He rushed out of the room and returned with the broken receptacle with which he hit and stabbed Zara.

Students came to her rescue and arrested Musah who tried to escape when he realized that Zara had become unconscious.

Zara was rushed to the University of Ghana Hospital, while Musah was arrested by the University Security and handed over to the Legon police.

Regional Police Commander, Ken Yeboah in an interview with Abusua Dawuro said policing is not the duty of the police service alone, but a a shared responsibility.

According to DCOP Ken Yeboah, robbery cases have assumed alarming rate because majority of Ghanaians do not take their personal security serious which is making the work of the police difficult.

DCOP Yeboah added, ”if Ghanaians take their personal security serious, robbery cases will reduce drastically in the country.”

Speaking on the issue of mob injustice and violence in the country, the seasoned journalist bemoaned the lack of confidence in the security services.

He wondered why some Ghanaians seem to have lost their confidence in the security agencies, hence arrogating the law into their own hands and administering instant justice on offenders of the law.

To him, the culture of mob injustice and violence that has characterized the nation should be nipped in the bud.

Proffering solutions to curb this menace on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper believed giving security Heads “security of tenure” will help revive the confidence of the people in the security fabric of the country, explaining that the heads should be maintained in their offices irrespective of the government in power.

He cited the changing of IGPs by successive governments asking “why does every government that come works with the Chief Justice? It works with Chairman of National Commission on Civic Education. It works with Chairman of CHRAJ. It works with Chairman of Electoral Commission but for Police, when a government comes; it must get her own IGP. Why? Why must every government that comes must have her own CDS?”

It said government should expedite actions on appointing the independent prosecutor to deal with corrupt public officers.

Dr Eric Osei-Assibey, a Senior Economist IEA, presenting the findings on expectation of Ghanaians on the new government said the citizenry expected government to create more jobs as one of the high priorities while building infrastructure was the least for them.

He said majority of the people considered government to introduce free education but the urban areas prefer more quality education than free.

“The higher the educational level of the people, the higher they think quality education is a priority,” he added.

He said some regions such as Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions expected government to focus more on quality education.

He said the survey revealed that, some Ghanaians expected the government to build more infrastructure, others called for revision or review of the National Health Service Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and improvement on quality health service.

He said the critical issues that government must address were sanitation, improvement of water to various households, ending of “dumsor” and also reduce utility bills.

“People are concern more on the cost of utilities, electricity in particular and expect government to find a way to reduce the cost of these utilities,” he added.

Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Research Fellow at IEA, said government should create the enabling environment for more jobs to be created and accelerate the implementation of its policy on one district one factory and planting for foods and jobs.

He said the rising cost of utility bills has been a burden to the populace, so the government should constitute a body which would investigate, review and improve billing systems in Ghana.

He urged government to review and strengthen the NHIS to deal with all bottlenecks, corrupts practices and inefficiencies that have stalled the smooth running of the scheme.

“In the area of education, government should not compromise on quality while putting measures in place to promote free education at the senior high level,” he added.

He said the priority of some Ghanaians was in the area of fighting against corruption and they expect government to concentrate on investigating corruption and punish public institutions involved.

Mr Justice Emile Short, Senior Fellow at IEA said Ghana was confronted with several socio-economic issues which include the rising cost of utilities, unemployment, limited access to affordable health care, unreliable power supply, crime and corruption.

He said following the release of the 2017 budget the IEA in partnership with the Centre for International Private Enterprise took a survey to investigate and to seek the opinion of the public on the expectations on the new government, he added

The findings of the survey which covers the areas such as the economy, environment, education, health and governance

Mr Short said the result provided is an opportunity to access whether the policy priority of the government was in line with the expectations of Ghanaian people.

“It is the IEA’s hope that the survey findings will guide the new administration’s policy and prioritization process and shape government programme for the year 2017,” he said.

The new tactic has been dubbed the “Poopootov” in a play on the Molotov cocktails often seen at streets protests in Venezuela.

“They have gas; we have excrement,” reads an image floating around social media to advertise Wednesday’s “Shit March.”

With inflation in the high triple-digits, shortages of the most basic medicines, and millions suffering food scarcity, the country is undergoing a major crisis.

For weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets, angry at the government of unpopular President Nicolas Maduro.

Some opposition sympathizers are appalled at the plans to use feces, both animal and human, calling it an unsanitary and inappropriate tactic even in the face of a government they despise.

Many note that throwing feces could increase cases of infectious diseases which are soaring due to the lack of medicine as well as basic cleaning materials such as soaps and disinfectant.

“POOPOOTOV COCKTAIL”

“The kids go out with just stones. That’s their weapon. Now they have another weapon: excrement,” said a 51-year-old dentist preparing containers of feces in her home for protesters to launch at authorities.

“One of my patients is collecting excrement from her child,” said the dentist, who asked not to be identified.

Messages have been going viral on Venezuelan WhatsApp groups giving step-by-step instructions and advice on putting together the Poopootov cocktails.

Some insist on avoiding glass containers to ensure that the projectiles only humiliate troops rather than injure them.

“The use of excrement is not only an act of desperation, it’s madness,” said pro-government TV personality Mario Silva on Twitter.

With opposition leaders looking to bring frontline government forces onside, given they too suffer from the country’s crisis, the strategy may backfire.

Many are thought to sympathize with protesters’ complaints about the economic situation but do not speak out for fear of retaliation by authorities.

While the opposition coalition has remained quiet on the strategy, some lawmakers have given it tacit acceptance.

“They use their weapons against us, so people are using what they have,” said lawmaker Rafael Guzman, who on Monday was seen in the thick of tear gas throwing a canister back at security forces.

According to him, the situation provided a perfect environment for armed robbers to carry out their criminal activities.

Majority of Ghanaians went to bed without power Wednesday night after what appeared to be a nationwide blackout hit the West African nation. The lights went off around 9:pm.

The last time a nationwide blackout hit Ghana was in January 2016 as a result of system failure.

But it is with this failure that the security expert said if the unfortunate act was deliberate then there is a cause to be alarmed.

He added that, regardless, if it isn’t mere malfunctioning of electrical equipment then a thorough yet rapid investigation must be conducted to ascertain the cause of the major power cut.

“The blackout had social economic implications and would have been a perfect opportunity for any adversary that had criminal plans. If it was deliberate or planned then it means that the adversary had created the atmosphere to take advantage of that to perpetuate their organized crime…”

“If it’s a deliberate act then we have an issue, but if it’s not and it’s just malfunctioning of equipment then we need to do thorough rapid investigations to ascertain what actually happened…” he maintained.

According to Mr Owusu Sekyere, the government needs to place security measures as one of the priorities guarding the country against terrorist attacks hence there is the need to have alternative measures against total black out.

He further advised the security personnel to devoid of sleep when such occurrences come into play since they are to keep the country from harm for peace to prevail.

“VRA is the powerhouse of Ghana. Practically, if you take VRA out we have nothing. If an adversary or a terrorist drops one missile in VRA then it means we are finished.  It shuts down. These are some of the things we should be thinking about.”

“I feel sad that those supposed to protect us were asleep. How safe are we? These aren’t petty issues, they are very serious. We need to have security conscious solutions.  We need to be actually looking at security as a front burner. The problem is I always think that some of us need to engage those in the security sector to see how they can be addressed…” he addressed.