DEAL WITH THIS MENACE NOW (OCTOBER 30, 2008)

ANOTHER story of kidnapping and its related demand for the payment of ransom seem to have sent worrying signals and raised some security concerns.
Just a few days ago, an Israeli was kidnapped and there had been a demand for the payment of ransom before his release, while yesterday there was the story of a kidnapped Lebanese, with a demand for the payment of ransom.
There is no doubt that kidnapping is very alien to the Ghanaian society. Yet, with two of such acts in quite rapid succession, there is reason to be worried that these crimes have the potential to smear our reputation as a peace- loving people.
The fact that our world has become a global village is not in doubt. With the phenomenal strides made in ICT, the influence of foreign cultures through movies and music has been made very easy.
While this comes with its positive sides, negative issues related to these strides raise serious concerns.
Ghanaians have, for many generations, held high our cherished culture and avoided such sophistication in criminal activities.
Now it appears that the dawn of the globalised world stares us in the face and we have to find ways of addressing some of the challenges it brings along.
Obviously, in our modern world there is a greater demand for professionalism from the security agencies engaged in combating crime.
It is good to note that the security apparatus has acted swiftly in these cases of kidnapping and the demand for the payment of ransom.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appreciates the challenges that are likely to be encountered by our security agencies in their efforts to address such issues and arrest the culprits.
The security agencies have indicated that they are making some headway and that should come to many as a pleasant piece of news.
This notwoithstanding, the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to caution that we have not reached the end of the tunnel yet, hence there is the need to press on until all the culprits are apprehended.
That will not require the vigilance of only the security agencies but also all Ghanaians. In our various communities, we need to be very alert and observe happenings around so that we can give the necessary leads to the police should the need arise.
There should be the recognition that in every modern society, because of the sophistication of crime, policing has become everybody’s responsibility.
While some people are paid to police the society, as a people we also have the responsibility to police ourselves and not leave our destinies entirely in the hands of only the security agencies.
Ghana should continue to be a safe haven for all, Ghanaians and foreigners alike, since that is critical to boost tourism and increase foreign investment in the country.
A society in which people perceived to be wealthy are kidnapped and huge ransoms demanded for their release holds little attraction for investors.
The present favourable investment climate has been created after years of hard work and there is the need to work in a concerted manner to preserve this environment.