National Security Withdraws Personnel From Tema Harbor-Amidsts Criminal Extortion Reports

The Ministry of National Security has announced the withdrawal of its personnel deployed at the Tema harbor.

A statement from the Ministry said: “The decision is in response to calls by the Economic Management Team for a rationalisation of the number of security agencies involved in physical inspection at the port given ongoing operations by the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU) and the Revenue Assurance, Compliance and Enforcement (RACE) team.”

The statement assured however that in spite of the withdrawal, the ministry shall provide the needed assistance to the relevant agencies in the conduct of surgical operations at the harbour when required.

“Notwithstanding the withdrawal of personnel from the harbour, it shall provide the needed assistance to the relevant agencies in the conduct of surgical operations at the harbour when required.”

Meanwhile, in an attempt to deflect the connection between the withdrawal and the unbridled corruption of the National Security agents at the Port, the Ministry is claiming the withdrawal forms part of efforts to enhance ongoing operations to address terrorism threats and violent extremism given a surge in activities of terrorist and extremist groups in neighbouring countries.