Heads of security agencies leading Operation Kondanlgou-2018 in a group picture
The Ministry of National Security is collaborating with other Ghanaian security agencies to embark on an operation dubbed, ‘Operation Kondanlgou, 2018’ along Ghana’s northern borders.
The operational command would be in Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The coverage areas include Kulungugu, Namon, Bunkpurugu, Nalerigu, Gambaga, Walewale and Nankpanduri, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Nangodi, Zebilla, Binduri, Pusiga, Sapeliga and Garu.
As part of the operation, Ghana will collaborate with security agencies in Burkina-Faso, Togo and Benin to tackle cross-border crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, armed robberies and smuggling of contraband goods.
A statement issued by Ministry of National Security and signed by the Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah said in line with the agreements reached for a successful operation, there are similar operations underway along the borders of Burkina-Faso, Togo and Benin to ensure effective cross-border security in the participating countries.
According to the statement, personnel from various security agencies in Ghana under Operation Kondanlgou would conduct joint border patrols, create snap check-points to help control the movement of persons in the area.
Highways and other relevant routes within the operational area would also be patrolled.
There would also be random searches for arms and ammunition, as well as contraband goods along country’s borders and other operational areas.
The Ministry noted that the main aim of Operation Kondanlgou-2018 is to keep criminal elements in check and provide security for law-abiding persons for an unspecified period.
The National Security Ministry has appealed to law-abiding citizens to cooperate with the personnel during the period. Asked whether adequate logistics had been provided at a briefing in Bawku, Deputy Director of Operations with the Ghana Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Ansah-Akrofi, expressed optimism that with the level of preparation, the operation will be effective.
He gave assurance that the leadership of the taskforce would compile all challenges that would be encountered in the course of the operation and submit them to the Ministry of National Security to be addressed.
Lieutenant Colonel Sake Mohammad from Benin gave assurance that his country would fully support Operation Kondanlgou-2018 and work closely with the assigned security agencies in Ghana to curb cross border crimes in the two countries, as well as other participating countries.
Meanwhile, residents of Bawku have called on the National ntsubsequent operations in order not to create fear and panic.
According to some traders, “There was no announcement and we suddenly saw many soldiers and other security personnel in town with a helicopter patrolling the municipality.
“If we see many soldiers and police in Bawku, it gives us signs that there is a problem in town. Please tell them to use the radio and information service to inform the people,” a trader at the Bawku Police Station, said.
From Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bawku