Ghana Taking Measures Against Terrorist Infiltration – MP
By Caroline Ameh
At the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session of the Fifth Legislature in Abuja, Ghanaian Parliamentarian Ms. Laadi Ayamba emphasized Ghana’s efforts to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and violent extremists into the country. Ayamba stressed the gravity of the terrorism threat in not just Ghana but the entire West African Sub-region.
The MP noted the rising security concerns in neighboring nations due to increased terrorist attacks, emphasizing the need for Ghana to prioritize security measures to protect its integrity.
Ayamba stated that intelligence sharing with neighboring countries has been strengthened to counter the potential infiltration of terrorist elements.
“The Ghanaian government is actively involved in community projects targeting areas vulnerable to terrorism radicalization, acknowledging the factors that fuel terrorist activities”, she stated.
The comprehensive report presented covered various issues, including the prohibition of child abuse, early and forced marriage, freedom of expression, press freedom, political and security situations, human rights, and healthcare.
Regarding press freedom, the report cited Ghana’s position in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, indicating a rank of 62 out of 180 countries, a slight shift from its 2022 ranking of 60. Notably, incidents of attacks on journalists were highlighted, with ongoing investigations into several cases, where the military, police, and political party affiliates were identified as main culprits.
The report underscored the importance of protecting journalists in the line of duty and emphasized the necessity of enforcing the law against offenders. The session also witnessed presentations by parliamentarians from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Togo, focusing on political, security, human rights, and health concerns within their respective countries.
The parliamentary proceedings were chaired by Mr. Sidie Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, signaling a collective effort within the region to address these critical issues.
