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The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to clamp down on vigilantism and prevent the formation of unauthorised self-defence groups across the country.
Mr Muntaka warned that the growing practice of chiefs, political parties, individuals and other organisations forming groups to provide their own protection posed a threat to national peace and security.
He made the call at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
The Interior Minister urged the Police Service to remain vigilant and take decisive action against activities capable of undermining public order and national security.
“We observe with concern a new trend of chiefs, political parties, individuals, and some organisations building forces for self-protection. The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 Act 999 is clear on this matter,” he said.
“These are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no forces for protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state. I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” Mr Muntaka added.
Police training videos banned from social media
The Minister also ordered an immediate halt to the recording and circulation of videos and other content showing recruits undergoing training at security service institutions.
He expressed concern over the increasing practice of officers and trainers allowing images and videos of recruits to be recorded and shared on social media.
“I am equally concerned about the growing number of officers and trainers in our training schools, allowing videos and other content of recruits undergoing training to be recorded and shared on social media. This practice must stop,” he stated.
Mr Muntaka directed commanders of the various security services to establish appropriate controls to prevent unauthorised recordings and the publication or circulation of images and videos from training institutions.
“I therefore direct all service commanders to ensure that appropriate controls are put in place to prevent the unauthorised recording, publication and circulation of images or videos of recruits in training,” he added.
The directives form part of efforts by the Interior Ministry to strengthen discipline within the security services and safeguard national security.