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Beninese citizens feel insecure in the face of increased terrorism

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Rangers stand on attention during a graduation ceremony on January 12, 2018 at the Pendjari National Park training facility near Tanguieta. - Copyright © africanews STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP or licensors

Benin’s government has been taking steps to stop incursions after several months of terrorist attacks in the northwest and northeast of the country.

Despite this citizens still feel insecure. Jihadists first struck Porga in the Pendjari National Park area in December 2021, where two soldiers and an assailant lost their lives.

Following this, the government set up a military base in the north of the country aimed at reinforcing the security of goods and people.

But the attacks continued with the storming of the Monsey and Dassari police stations and other localities in the north, causing loss of life both among armed forces and civilians.

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The authorities continue to reassure the people of Benin: “The Beninese army is sufficiently equipped to ward off all the scourges that can disturb the tranquillity of the Beninese,” Alain Fortunet Nouatin, Beninese Minister of Defense said.

“I will tell the people of Benin that they have nothing to fear.”

General Fructueux Gbaguidi, Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces reinforced the message:

“We are going to make it so that every time someone tries to tackle Benin that they feel it deep in their spinal cord,” Gbaguidi said.

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But the president of a consumer association in Benin, Robin Accrombessi believes the move to counter the jihadist attacks has left the average Beninese with the impression that his freedom of movement has been restricted.

“It prevents the consumer from having psychological security first because we are in constant fear.”

“We don’t know when they’re going to strike, we don’t know where they’re going to strike, we don’t know where we are safe when we move.”

“You have to go to regions and you dare not. You need to go sightseeing, to go to certain parks, to certain tourist sites, you don’t dare. It means that we are no longer free,” Accrombessi said.

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Benin has long been one of the more stable countries in West Africa, where Islamic State and al Qaeda militants threaten Sahel countries, although criminal smuggling gangs also operate along its frontier.

Source: www.africanews.com

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Man arrested in Ashaiman for allegedly posing as soldier and extorting money

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The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly posing as a soldier and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public at Ashaiman.

The suspect, identified as Bright Atsu Kudiabor, was arrested by the Ashaiman Police on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m.

According to the Police, he was arrested at an area known as “I Shall Return”, where he was allegedly parading himself as a soldier and demanding money from people.

The Police said Kudiabor, who is an ex-convict, was initially arrested by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service in Ashaiman with assistance from other members of the public.

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A search conducted on him after he was handed over to the Police reportedly led to the recovery of a set of military camouflage uniform.

The suspect is currently in Police custody and assisting with investigations.

The Tema Regional Police Command said he would be processed for court after investigations are completed.

The Police urged the public to remain vigilant and report anyone who falsely presents themselves as a soldier or a member of another security agency to deceive or extort money from the public.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Volta has enormous agricultural potential – Regional Minister

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Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, says the Volta Region holds enormous agricultural potential and efforts must be geared towards connecting farmers to the needed resources to unlock that potential.

He said focus must be on linking farmers to resources, technology, financing and markets to increase production, create jobs and build sustainable livelihoods.

Hon. Gunu made the remarks at the national launch of the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) held at Anloga in the Volta Region on Tuesday, September 15.

The initiative, under the theme “Produce at Home. Feed the Nation. Export the Surplus,” seeks to boost local tomato production, processing and marketing while reducing Ghana’s heavy reliance on imported tomatoes.

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The launch was attended by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, his Deputy, John Setor Dumelo, Feed Ghana Coordinator, Bright Demordzi, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, MMDCEs, farmers and other stakeholders.

Mr.Gunu expressed appreciation to the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the support announced for the region, including two excavators, 200 cartons of organic fertiliser, and GH¢200,000 for Ms. Kuatudzo Esther Dela, a tomato farmer and processor from Ziope.

He described the initiative as an important step towards making agriculture a stronger driver of food security, job creation and economic growth in the Volta Region.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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