Ghana creates Counter-Terrorism Unit

President John Mahama has announced the creation of a Counter-Terrorism Unit to avert any possible external attack on Ghana.

The National Security advisor to the president Baba Kamara is heading the unit and has been tasked to coordinate all security measures put in place to avert any terrorist attack on Ghana.

Speaking during a quarterly meeting with members of the Council of State in Accra, Mahama said Ghana has been in constant touch with its neighbours in the area of intelligence gathering to be on top of issues.

“The National Security has set up a Counter-Terrorism Unit which is chaired by the national security advisor,” Mahama told the council.

He added: “One of the most important thing is intelligence sharing and we are getting a lot of intelligence from our neighbours – Ivory Coast, Guinea and Burkina Faso – and we are all alert and watching to see if there are suspicious people.”

Ghana has been on red alert in recent times following extremist activities in the sub-region. The US among others have warned its nationals to be wary of their safety while traveling to the West African country.

Nationals from Mali and Ivory Coast are being monitored carefully, according to a classified security memo leaked to the media recently.