Ghana’s security agencies play a vital role in maintaining national security and stability. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about the indiscipline and abuse of power by some security officers. The situation where security agencies can invite and detain individuals at will is an affront to democracy and must stop.
Abuse of Power: A Threat to Democracy
According to legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the indiscipline of some security officers will send the current government into opposition. He emphasizes that security agencies must operate within the law and respect the rights of citizens. The National Security Council’s powers are clearly outlined in the Securities and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020, Act 1030, which grants the power to arrest only to employees of the Internal Intelligence Agency or the External Intelligence Agency, not to the National Security Council or its operatives.
Operating Within the Law
The Ghanaian Constitution and laws are clear about the role of security agencies. The National Security Council’s primary function is to supervise and coordinate the activities of the intelligence agencies, not to engage in ground operations such as arrests and detentions. Section 47 of Act 1030 provides that only employees of the Internal Intelligence Agency or External Intelligence Agency have the same rights and powers conferred on police officers.
Calls for Accountability
Civil Society activist Dr. Steve Manteaw has also spoken out against the excesses of the National Security apparatus, urging President John Mahama to curb these abuses. Dr. Manteaw emphasizes that as Commander-in-Chief, the President is personally responsible for ensuring that security officers operate within the law.
The Importance of Checks and Balances
Ghana’s democracy relies on checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has condemned the abuse of due process in the arrest and detention of protesters by the police, highlighting the need for security agencies to respect citizens’ constitutional rights.
The indiscipline of security agencies is a threat to Ghana’s democracy. It is essential that security agencies operate within the law and respect the rights of citizens. The government must take steps to address these issues and ensure that security agencies are held accountable for their actions. As Barker-Vormawor notes, “No power is absolute. One will not hold the power forever.” It’s time for Ghana’s security agencies to prioritize accountability and respect for human rights..