The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to curb vigilantism and prevent the emergence of unauthorised self-defence groups across the country.
He said the growing practice of individuals, political parties, traditional authorities, and other organisations forming groups to defend themselves is a cause for national concern.
Speaking at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the Minister urged the Police Service to remain vigilant and take firm action against any such activities that could undermine public order.
Mr Muntaka said the formation of such groups is prohibited under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, stating categorically that only security forces authorised by the state have the mandate to provide protection.
“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.”
“These are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no forces for the protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state,” he added.
He charged police commanders to act swiftly to prevent the trend from taking root and to ensure that persons found engaging in such activities are brought to book.
“I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” he said.
The Interior Minister also directed security service commanders to immediately halt the unauthorised recording and sharing of videos and other content featuring recruits undergoing training at various security service institutions.
He said the practice could compromise the integrity of the security services and their training programmes.
“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.