A prominent security analyst, Andrews Asiedu Tetteh, has issued a stark warning that Ghana faces the imminent risk of a civil war if security authorities fail to effectively address the escalating wave of criminal activities across the nation.
Mr Tetteh cautioned that the country’s security forces risk being “taken by surprise” if they do not immediately implement proactive and stringent measures to counter criminal elements.
The analyst specifically highlighted the poor visibility of the police force, asserting that this deficiency provides criminals with ample opportunity to operate, thereby “undermining the safety and security of the people and businesses.”
He noted a significant surge in various conflicts and crimes, including illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, mobile phone snatching, armed attacks and related criminal acts.
According to Mr Tetteh, the snatching of valuable items by motorcycle riders has become so pervasive that citizens are no longer bothering to report such incidents to the police.
Furthermore, the activities of illegal miners and their unlawful use of firearms remain a severe threat to Ghana’s peace, stability, and national security.
Mr Tetteh made these assertions while commenting on the recent contract extension granted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the security analyst strongly criticised the decision, arguing that the IGP’s tenure had been marked by an uncontrolled rise in crime.
“Crime is increasing every now and then,” he stated. “He should have been allowed to go for a new person to be appointed… from my assessment, the IGP is a failure, and he should have retired.”
Mr Tetteh reiterated his dire prediction, linking the failure to control illegal mining to potential national collapse.
“As we speak, if care is not taken, and God does not intervene, we are likely to witness a civil war in Ghana,” he warned. “The illegal miners are wielding sophisticated guns and still bringing in more.”
He drew a parallel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), stating, “If you want to see what galamsey can do to a country, take a look at DR Congo. The civil war in that country claimed several lives, and it was due to galamsey.”
He concluded that security capos who cannot curtail security threats, especially those whose retirement time is due, should not be granted contract extensions but instead be replaced by fresh leadership.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana