Churches must establish security committees as part of measures to avert possible terror attacks, a police commander suggests.
Superintendent Gordon Opoku Koduah, the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Police Commander, observed that such teams, when trained, could coordinate security affairs on their premises, to protect congregants.
He made these remarks at a separate sensitization fora, in the Konongo township arranged by the command following the increasing spate of kidnappings and terror threats in the country.
“If such a committee is formed we will be providing them with the needed support and they will coordinate all activities on their premises and liaise with security agencies”, explained Supt Opoku, who also advised the congregation to set up CCTV Cameras to monitor security activities in churches.
Commander Opoku urged them to step up their observation and vigilance and also report any suspicious characters to the police.
On kidnapping, the Municipal Commander advised parents to take keen interest in the whereabouts of their children after leaving home for school, recommending that they took them to school and pick them up themselves if possible.
He entreated parents to guide their wards especially girls on the use of mobile phones in order not to fall prey to kidnappers, who sometimes lure their victims through phones.
The Municipal Police Commander spoke against what he described as the current increasing social media craze of some citizenry making disclosures of personal locations and itinerary on social media, indicating that the practice could expose them to danger.
“In the event of a kidnap, parents should avoid any form of negotiation with the kidnappers and instead inform the police immediately, for prompt action.”
Meanwhile, some church leaders and members who spoke to Dailymailgh.com lauded the police for the initiative.
Among the churches visited by the police were Assemblies of God, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church, Church of Pentecost and the Catholic Church.
A similar programme will be held in schools and Muslim communities across the municipality.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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