The Honourable Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong has urged religious institutions to be security conscious to detect any suspicious characters who may infiltrate their rank as terrorists.
Hon. Acheampong made this call when he addressed the 1ST Session Of the 14th Synod of the Anglican Church, Diocese of Koforidua on Friday 10th June 2022 under the theme “Forty (40) years as a Diocese: Moving forward in Spirituality and Discipleship (John 15: 5).”
He expressed his worry about the recent reports of terrorist attacks in parts of the West African sub-region, even more, disturbing was the fact that social gatherings such as religious services have become targets of terrorist attacks.
He andated that the trend of terrorism in the West African Sub-region was of great national security concern to President Akufo-Addo, the chairman of ECOWAS and urged all stakeholders such as the religious bodies to partner government and the security Agencies to sensitise their members and the general public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police and other security agencies.
Hon. Acheampong encouraged everyone to join the “See something, say something” campaign, an awareness campaign programme instituted by the National Security Ministry to prevent the activities of terrorists from spreading into the country.
He commended the Anglican Church for partnering government in the provision of numerous interventions in the various the sectors of the economy, such as the provision of schools, health facilities, water and sanitation among others to improve the standard of living of the people.
Hon. Acheampong consequently, asked the Church to continue to pray and support the government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and exercise our responsibility with humility and integrity. Pray for Ghana as well.
Rt. Rev Felix Odei Annancy, the Presiding Bishop of Anglican Church, Koforidua Diocese in an interview with the media indicated that the Church would be more conscious and vigilant given the recent terrorist attack in some of the West African countries.
He said communication would be sent to the Priests at the various Churches to educate the members to pay particular attention to people who would show suspicious behaviour and report them to the appropriate institution.
Rt. Rev. Odei Annancy also indicated that the Church would put it into their plans programs to invite the police and other security agencies to educate the members on the security trends.