Ghana bolsters security amid warnings of attack

Accra — Ghana is bolstering its border protection as part of new security measures after reports that a potential attack by an armed group is “real”. A leaked intelligence memo published in Ghanaian media warned the West African country and its eastern neighbour, Togo, could be targeted by armed groups following deadly attacks in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast in recent months

“Intelligence gathered by the … NSCS [National Security Council Secretariat] indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. . . . The choice of Ghana according to the report is to take away the perception that only Francophone countries are the target,” said the memo, dated April 9.

The memo reportedly referred to the confessions of a suspect who was interrogated by Ivorian authorities after an attack last month on Grand-Bassam, a popular tourist destination, that killed dozens.

It ordered immigration agents on the northern border with Burkina Faso to be extra vigilant and said patrols should be stepped up along informal routes between the two countries.

Francis Palmdeti, director of public affairs for Ghana’s immigration service, told the DPA news agency on Friday the country is increasing border patrols and co-operation among security agencies. — AP