PRAYERS VS TERRORISM

Should there be a terrorist plot against Ghana and indeed any other Afican country like it happened in Kenya will it take prayer or adequate security measures to avert any such incident? As reported earlier last week, the British Government issued a security alert to its citizens and visitors travelling to Ghana of an eminent terrorist attack. Stating that there is underling threat from terrorist against Ghana , “ Around 70,000 British nationals visits Ghana every year. While most visits are trouble free, violent crime can occur at any time. Be particularly vigilant in public areas and take care when traveling by road”. The Statement specifically noted that there may be localized outbreak of civil unrest on short notice in the Northern Region of Ghana. This was published on 26th September 2013 on UK’s government website www.gov.uk and in fact is deemed current even as at the time of publishing this article. The British government further advised that anyone visiting Ghana should take a comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Although it did not state the reason of the possible attack, it is believed that Ghana has become a target due to her involvement in a military operations Mali. Interestingly, Prophet T.B Joshua of the Synagogue of all nation church with its headquarters in Nigeria is reported to have added his “prophetic” voice to this caution by calling on his congregation to fast and pray against a terrorist plot which will involve two West African countries. Refusing to mention which those two countries are, he called for a re-enforcement at state institutions such the legislature since according to him such places are the main targets. The Prophet says God revealed it to him. But the question is, is it about prayers? If that is the solution then this is where I say Ghana has no problem at all. In Ghana today, prayers have become more like a national affair and a daily life style of the people. There are many religious groups scattered all over the country. Unlike security post or police stations, prayer centers are found virtually in almost every suburb, community, town and cities. In fact every corner of the country is flooded with churches and mosques. Just to mention but a few, an intercessory group such as “Aglow “( a non-denominational women prayer group) on regular bases meet every last Saturday of each month. This prayer session goes on simultaneously in every regional capital of the country with the national one held in Accra at the independence square. There is also “All Believers All Night” which is organized by one of Ghana’s prominent radio preachers, Rev. Owusu Ansah. The program which rotates in various selected churches is also held every last Friday of each month. This late night 6 hour program does not only take place in the church auditorium, it is also broadcast live on all the media networks of Multi-Media Group of companies and its international affiliates as well. In addition to the above mentioned are numerous church activities such as crusades, revival and prayer conferences by organized different bodies that I cannot mention. Most of these meetings do not end without a prayer for the peace and stability of the country and in fact for the entire sub-regions. The Muslim community also has their regular prayers especially the Friday prayers at the central mosque in Accra places greater emphasis on the peace of Ghana through the prayers. Talk of those other religion such as the traditionalist led by the chiefs,they are all praying one way or the other for God to continue to sustain the peace Ghanaians are enjoying. This became more evident in the just ended electoral dispute. Every notable religious group came out to pray for the land and for most Ghanaians, it is prayers that sustains Ghana’s peace and political tolerance. Therefore as for Ghanaians fasting and praying as a solution to avert a terrorist attack, It would not be a big issue because it appears that is what the people know to do best. Ghanaians apply “Nyame beye’ literarily meaning God will do it to every life situation. But when it comes to national security, well there is very little i can say about that. frankly I don’t know how prepared is Ghana’s national security system and how it can meet the pressure or even prevent a terrorist attack. However, with an assurance from the President of his security institutions readiness in case of any such incident, all one can hope is for Ghana or any other country for that matter is spared of anymore attack. Terrorism has claimed too many precious lives and it is about time we all make a it point to stop it occurrences. Let us make this world a better place.