Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has instructed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to take immediate steps against individuals and organisations creating private security groups to provide personal protection.
The Minister warned that the formation of such groups is unlawful and has no place within Ghana’s established national security system.
Speaking at the Police Regional Command Conference, Mr Muntaka referred to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which prohibits the establishment of vigilante groups and other private security forces outside the officially recognised security institutions of the state.
According to him, the government has become increasingly concerned about reports of politicians, traditional authorities and other groups putting together private security outfits to protect themselves.
He therefore directed the IGP to identify individuals and groups involved in the practice and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against them.
Mr Muntaka stressed that security responsibilities must remain within the institutions mandated by law, warning against activities that could undermine Ghana’s security architecture.
The Interior Minister also raised concerns about police personnel filming recruits during training and uploading such content to social media platforms.
He urged officers to exercise greater discipline and professionalism and avoid publishing videos or other sensitive material relating to police training, operations or internal activities online.
Mr Muntaka said maintaining proper conduct and protecting operational information were essential to preserving public confidence in the Ghana Police Service.
