Story by: George Osei-Akoto Addae
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the critical role of the country’s security and regulatory agencies in safeguarding lives and maintaining national peace, stressing that safety remains the foundation for national development.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry for the Interior on Monday, the Vice President commended the ministry and its agencies for their dedication to protecting the public.
She noted that institutions including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Gaming Commission, and other agencies under the ministry bear the enormous responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of Ghanaians.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said no meaningful development can take place in an environment where citizens do not feel safe.
She further emphasized that effective law enforcement should begin with sustained public education, explaining that citizens are more likely to comply with the law when they understand its purpose and appreciate the role of security institutions.
The Vice President also called on the various security agencies to strengthen public confidence by operating with professionalism, transparency and integrity.
According to her, security personnel must engage communities in ways that reassure the public that the services exist to protect them rather than to instill fear.
She urged officers to refrain from exploiting or intimidating members of the public, stressing that respect for human rights and courteous service are essential to building lasting trust between citizens and the security services.
For his part, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, highlighted a number of key achievements recorded by the ministry since assuming office.
He disclosed that Parliament has passed the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, the Community Service Act, aimed at reducing congestion in Ghana’s prisons through non-custodial sentencing, as well as amendments to the Public Holidays Act, all of which are intended to strengthen governance and improve the country’s justice and security systems.
The Interior Minister also outlined significant investments in logistics and operational capacity across the security services. He revealed that within the past year, the Ghana Police Service has received 160 pickup vehicles and 50 armoured vehicles to enhance crime-fighting and patrol operations.
According to him, the Ghana Prisons Service has been equipped with 25 pickup vehicles and three buses, while the Ghana National Fire Service has received 20 pickup vehicles to improve emergency response.
The Ghana Immigration Service has also taken delivery of 25 pickup vehicles to strengthen border security, while the Narcotics Control Commission has received 22 operational vehicles to support efforts in combating drug trafficking and related crimes.
Mr. Muntaka said the government’s continued investment in logistics, legislation and institutional reforms demonstrates its commitment to building efficient, well-equipped and people-centred security services capable of responding effectively to emerging national security challenges.
www.ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com
