President John Dramani Mahama has received widespread commendation for his decision to assign additional responsibilities to the Minister for Interior, Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, designating him as the Acting Minister for National Security.
This move, which aligns with Section 24 of the Securities and Intelligence Act 2020 (Act 1030), was formally communicated to Parliament on Friday, March 7, 2025, by Speaker Alban Bagbin during a parliamentary session. The decision has been praised as a strategic step to strengthen national security amid rising concerns about public safety and emerging security threats.
Kofi Tonto, a member of the communication team for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his approval of the decision. “It’s encouraging to see President Mahama acting on suggestions made by Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu to unify our various security agencies under a coordinated ministry. While I would have preferred a different individual for the National Security role to bring a sharper focus, this is undoubtedly a positive start,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
The President explained in his letter to Parliament, “I convey to the House that I have assigned ministerial responsibility for national security to the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.”
This dual appointment is expected to enhance collaboration and coordination between the Ministry of the Interior and the National Security apparatus. Analysts believe it will create a more streamlined approach to handling security matters, ensuring efficiency in tackling threats to national stability.
Hon. Mubarak Muntaka, known for his effective leadership as Interior Minister, is now tasked with overseeing national security operations while maintaining his oversight of interior affairs. His expanded role comes at a critical time when the government is ramping up efforts to safeguard citizens and address challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats.
The move has been described by political and security experts as a step towards fostering a more unified approach to security governance. It underscores President Mahama’s commitment to ensuring public safety and strengthening institutional capacity to respond to both local and global security challenges.
As Hon. Muntaka takes on these additional responsibilities, many are hopeful that his track record of diligence and commitment will translate into improved security outcomes for the nation.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
