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Emmanuel Kotin, the Executive Director of the Africa Centre of Security and Counter Terrorism, complained about the state of fear in Ghana because of a series of robbery attacks on bullion vans and the persistent threats of terrorism and violent extremism surrounding the country. Kotin urged the government to address the factors contributing to these attacks, including the regulation of Okada riders, if a complete ban is not feasible. His remarks came in response to a recent deadly robbery on a bullion van in Ablekuma, Accra, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer.
Kotin emphasized the growing prevalence of bullion van robberies in Ghana in recent years. Criminals specifically target these cash-carrying armored trucks, transporting money between banks, corporations, and other financial institutions. These robbers employ sophisticated techniques and weaponry, posing a significant threat to the country’s cash-in-transit activities and jeopardizing the safety of bank staff, security officers, and the general public.
In a statement, Kotin urged the police and other security agencies to move beyond mere announcements and take decisive action, refusing to provide security for bullion vans that fail to meet the Bank of Ghana’s specifications. He also stressed the need for stringent measures to incapacitate these criminals and ensure the safety of human lives and property, considering the irrational nature of their acts. Kotin further acknowledged that while good laws and policies are essential, they alone cannot solve Ghana’s numerous security challenges.
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Source: Omanghana.com
