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A group of research and security experts, the Institute for Peace and Governance (IPEG) has urged the government to pay more attention to the threat from separatists in the Volta region who are turning into national terrorist groups.
In a statement, IPEG recommended that the government show strength in its response “to reassure the Ghanaians about their ability and ability to cope with the situation.”
Concern has grown about violence by separatists following attacks carried out by the West Togolese secessionist group, the Homeland Study Group Foundation.
The group attacked police stations, blocked roads and attacked the courtyard of the Ho State Transportation Corporation for the past seven days.
The police made 34 arrests and one death was recorded.
The IPEG had already warned that before the elections, “there could be a snowball of discontent, discontent, anxiety, anguish, etc. in the country”.
He noted that these separatist concerns may “inadvertently shore up the ground for violent extremism and terrorism, as the nation’s security will be tested in the year of its greatest vulnerability.”
Now IPEC says that “the ground is currently fertile for its activities, as state security is stretched in the run-up to the 2020 elections.”
“In addition, there is increased tension due to the growing economic difficulties resulting from the consequences of COVID-19,” he added.
It considers these conditions to be “the appropriate setting for these criminals to carry out their separatist agenda.”
The recent escalation of the separatists is an indication that they are “transforming from a non-violent group to a violent group with sufficient capacity to execute their strategy.”
“It is very likely that there will be an increase in the number of these attacks from now until December 2020 and beyond,” concluded IPEG.
Therefore, he urged the state to harness “its influence, authority and capabilities, regardless of the 2020 elections and the government in power, to mercilessly treat all persons identified as directly involved in the activities of this group. because they are in the process of switching to domestic terrorists. ”
— citinewsroom
