The Head of Facilities and Infrastructure at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Dr Francis Sarkodie-Addo, has urged church leaders to use their platforms to promote peace and security in Ghana.
He observed that the country was on the tangent of blaming people in authority for the woes of others, a situation he said terrorists often take advantage of to spread wrongful ideologies.
He termed it as the pre-radicalisation stage which is mostly carried out on social media.
Therefore, the need for the clergy to diffuse the growing dissatisfaction and rebellion against the country’s leadership.
“Normally, our enemies are those close to us. Terrorists work with people from within. And if those in the country are being radicalised, it is easy to aid outsiders to carry out their evil agenda.”
“Let us not entertain insults or attacks on the country’s leadership. it is a form of indoctrination which must be discouraged. Once it is happening to one individual, it can happen to others.” he added.
According to Dr Sakordie-Addo, the attacks could take many forms: hostage taking, kidnappings, mass shootings, car bombing and suicide bombing.
He noted that the key targets for the terrorists attacks included military and civilian government facilities, international airports, and transportation systems in large cities, high-profile landmarks, universities, colleges and schools.
Other targets are large public gatherings such as market squares, power and water utility systems, food supplies, corporate centres such as banks, hospitals among others.
Dr Sarkordie-Addo said these during a sensitization programme organized by the Safety Communication Consult for the clergy. It revolved around terrorism and security at home, office and on the streets dubbed the 3rd edition of General Overseers’ Safety and Security Conference.
On his part however, reverend Commissioner of Police (COP) Dr David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin advised the participants to avoid using desolate and dark streets at night.
He furthered that the participants walk in groups when using such streets and avoid carrying huge sums of money or bags containing valuables at night.
“When you are confronted by robbers and they demand your valuables or money, give them out quickly,” he stressed while adding that the should be mindful of artisans who come into their homes to work since some could end up stealing their belongings.
COP Dr Ampah-Bennin also advised that children should not attend to visitors at the door but adults only for safety.