The National Peace Council (NPC) has urged people to be more aware of the dangers presented by violent extremists in their neighborhoods and during public events.
It stated that while the government dealt with the matter, citizens should help by keeping an eye out for and reporting strange individuals to security officials.
"I believe we must all be aware; this is a genuine threat to us, possibly more so than the current economic crisis." We must awaken and defend our homeland and our children's interests. In these circumstances, we must be extremely alert," NPC Executive Secretary George Amoh told the Daily Graphic in Accra Tuesday.
Creating awareness
Mr Amoh stated that the council was visiting border villages in three northern districts to raise awareness about the issue.
He said he will go in Elubo next week to raise awareness about the situation.
"The Peace Council has already begun something. Following that, we'll reach out to student leaders around the country. "We want to provide them with awareness of warning indicators," he continued.
According to him, in July this year, the country will be divided into three zones for the sensitization campaign, which will then be expanded to tertiary institutions before being cascaded down.
To guarantee security, he said the council had prepared a questionnaire for religious leaders to fill out while doing their duties. He claimed the organization had taught more than 500 people on violent extremism around the country and was working on training another 500.
Mr Amoh called on the media to assist in the public awareness campaign by teaching the public about the risks of terrorism.
National Defense
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Ministry of National Security said there was a growing threat of terrorism in the sub-region, as well as terrorist groups' expansionist drive towards coastal West African states, with a renewed tactic of targeting public gatherings, including places of worship.As a result, all stakeholders must take precautionary steps, according to the statement, and National Security is working with key state security and intelligence organizations to prevent terrorist acts in the nation.
It also advised authorities to beef up security at houses of worship, particularly in regions where large crowds assemble.
"These measures may include, but are not limited to, the installation of CCTV cameras at designated places of worship, the engagement of approved private security guards, and other measures," said the statement, which was signed by National Security Coordinator Major General Francis Adu-Amanfoh (retd).
Last week, suspected extremists assaulted Togo, killing eight troops and injuring 13 others in the northern portion of the country.