Ghana, neighbours to check cross-border crime

The Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the security agencies in Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso, has embarked on an operation to help combat cross-border crimes along the northern border of the country.

Codenamed: "Operation Kondanlgou 2018", the exercise is also aimed at keeping criminal elements in check and providing security for law-abiding citizens in Ghana.

It is envisaged that by the end of the exercise, cross-border crimes, such as terrorism, human trafficking, armed robbery and smuggling, would have been nipped in the bud.

As part of the operation, security personnel will conduct joint border patrols, joint snap checks and permanent checkpoints to help monitor and control the movement of persons within the area of operation.

Highway patrols and random searches will be carried out on relevant routes to help mop up arms, ammunition and contraband goods.

Areas

The areas for the operation are Bolgatanga, Tongo, Nangodi, Zebilla, Binduri, Pusiga, Sapeliga, Garu, Kulungugu and Namon in the Upper East Region.

In the case of the Northern Region, the operation will cover Bunkpurugu, Nalerigu, Gambaga, Walewale and Nankpanduri.

The operational command centre is located in Bawku.

Briefing

Briefing the media on the exercise in Bawku yesterday, the Technical Director of the Ministry of National Security, Mr Ben Dere, said for security reasons, the day for the completion of the exercise would not be disclosed.

According to him, the operations would take place simultaneously in all the designated areas as a strategy to check rising terrorism and other border crimes.

Responding to a question on the preparedness of the country to provide the necessary logistics to ensure success of the operation, the Deputy Director of Army Operations, Accra, Lt Col Henry Ansah-Akrofi, noted that a comprehensive report was being compiled to be submitted to the Ministry of National Security to help address challenges of logistics and other issues.

Neighbours

Mr  Kafando Jean, Captain Akila Ditorgma and Lt Col Sake Muhammad, the representatives of Burkina Faso,Togo and Benin, respectively, pledged their commitment to the exercise.

They said residents of the countries engaged in the operation must also cooperate with the security agencies to combat cross-border crimes.