Lawmaker Laadi Ayamba says Ghana is taking measures to avert the infiltration of terrorists and violent extremists into the country.

Ms Ayamba said this on Tuesday while presenting her country’s annual report at the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session of the Fifth Legislature, held in Abuja.

She said the threat of terrorism was a grave concern for not only Ghana but the whole of the West African sub-region. 

According to her, the deteriorating security situation in neighbouring countries owing to a surge in terrorist attacks remains a major security concern for Ghana.

She said this has made the country prioritise security to safeguard its integrity.

“Intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries has also been enhanced to avert the possible infiltration of terrorist elements into Ghana. Cognising the pull and push factors of terrorism and violent extremism, the government of Ghana continues to embark on projects in communities that are vulnerable to terrorism radicalisation,’’ Ms Ayamba explained.

The report covered the prohibition of abuse against children, early and forced marriage, freedom of expression, press freedom, political and security situations, human rights, and healthcare, among others.

On press freedom, the report, quoting Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index for 2023, indicated that Ghana ranked 62nd out of 180 countries, as against 60th in the world in 2022.

“It is worth mentioning that Ghana has witnessed some incidents relating to attacks on journalists, with the investigation of some cases pending. A 2023 study by the University of Ghana and the Media Foundation for West Africa reported that the military and police are considered the main culprits of attacks on journalists,” noted the Ghanaian legislator. “Other perpetrators of such attacks include political party affiliates.”

She recalled the May 3 attack on Dagbon Radio host by a former regional deputy communications officer of a party.

Parliamentarians from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Togo also presented reports on their respective countries, which largely focused on politics, security, human rights, health and others. 

(NAN)