The Upper East Regional Security Council has put all border security agencies on high alert, following a police wireless message indicating possible attacks on Ghanaian communities in that region and other parts of northern Ghana by suspected Burkinabe bandits.

The wireless message which has been circulated to police commands across the country indicates that the bandits are suspected to be in possession of military-grade weapons and may have already infiltrated some yet to be identified areas, and planning an attack.

“Reports indicate that Burkinabe based bandits allegedly launching attacks in communities along the Burkina Faso – Ghana border are planning to launch attacks within the Bolgatanga township and its environs including areas in Tamale within the coming days,” part of the message reads.

Police in the Upper East Region have declined to comment on the issue for now.

But Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu who is also the head of the Regional Security Council has told JoyNews, the security agencies are on high alert.

“We are always on high alert because of what is happening in Burkina Faso. It is not something new; it is just that the intelligence we are gathering is making us be more on the alert,” he told Daniel Dadzie on News Desk.   

The Minister, however, declined to comment on what could be the cause of these planned attacks, and what measures are being taken to avert them, insisting that they are security matters which should not be discussed in the public domain.

He is encouraging citizens to report to the police, any suspicious strangers they find in their communities.

Asked what kind of strangers citizens should be looking out for, Mr Yakubu said; “We are looking at people coming to visit families [in Ghana], people checking into the hotels, people who are crossing in with animals – like the Fulani. We are interested to know about them”.

He also urged Ghanaians to remain calm because the security have the situation under control.

“The fact that we were able to pick up the threat should tell you that we are on top of the job. The region is peaceful and people should go about their normal activities”, he added.