As part of efforts to ensure the country is not taken unawares by any emergency, a special task force christened the National Crisis Response Unit has been formed to avert possible attacks.

The 350 member contingent have been drawn from all the security agencies across the country, and are being outdoored at the Police Public Safety Training School in Pwalugu in the Upper East region.

Joy News’ Seth Kwame Boateng, who has been observing stimulation exercises being conducted by the combined forces, said the team was taken through intense physical and mental training to enable them combat unexpected national emergencies such as earthquakes and terrorist attacks.

The security agencies forming the Unit include the military, police, prisons, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the National Ambulance Service.

Seth said the Unit staged a simulation of how to rescue persons in case of attacks in schools, markets or shopping malls among others.

Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo asserted that the nation needs such a “crucial” emergency response unit, especially when Ghana goes to the polls next year.

He said even though Ghana has not experienced any major terrorist attacks, because the country contributes troops to peacekeeping missions in countries under terrorist attack, it makes Ghana “susceptible to target”.

In the event of terrorist attacks, there would be mass casualty including loss of life and property, so the need for such training is important, Mr. Woyongo remarked.

The minister announced that Government is acquiring some equipment to help the Unit execute their mandate effectively.

“The battle against crime, and maintenance of law and order is raging. In this respect, Government is poised to acquire additional technological equipment and aircraft to enhance our internal security and operations,” he noted.

He commended the German government for supporting Ghana in its anti-terrorism efforts.