'Apply minimum force to defend and enforce law during attacks' - Security agencies told

The National Security Council has directed security agencies to apply minimum force in defending themselves against attacks from Ghanaian citizens, effective immediately.

In the statement signed by the Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and dated Wednesday, October 8, 2025, security personnel were also directed to enforce the law when confronted with any form of violence from the public.

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“… The National Security Council directs that, with immediate effect, all security agencies shall apply the necessary minimum force to defend themselves and to enforce the law when confronted with any form of violent attack from individuals or sections of the population,” portions of the statement read.

According to the minister, the directive was necessitated in the wake of increasing rate of attacks on security personnel by some individuals in the country.

Condemning the actions, Muntaka, speaking on behalf of the National Security Council, stated that the violent acts perpetrated against some security personnel “undermine the rule of law, the authority of the state, and the safety of the very officers mandated to protect the citizenry.”

“The Council strongly condemns these acts of aggression, which undermines the rule of law, the authority of the state, and the safety of the very officers mandated to protect the citizenry,” he added.

The Council acknowledged that while security personnel who exhibit unprofessional behaviour in dealing with the public must be sanctioned, they must not be subjected to any form of violent attack by civilians.

“While the Council insist that security personnel who act unprofessionally or abuse their authority against any member of the public are subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, it must be clearly emphasised that no individual or group has the right to attack or obstruct public officers in the lawful discharge of their duties whether verbally, physically, or through the use of weapons,” it indicated.

“The Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the peace, stability, public order, and the integrity of the security institutions of the Republic, while ensuring that all operations are carried out in accordance with the laws and democratic values of Ghana,” the statement said.

The statement follows a viral video that captured the assault of a police officer by a commercial tricycle rider in Garu, along the Garu–Nakpanduri road.

The incident occurred on October 6, 2025, during a routine stop-and-search operation being conducted by the police alongside Community Protection Assistants (CPAs).

The police officer was attacked after he instructed a tricycle rider to stop and park properly.

The tricycle was carrying sacks of groundnuts with passengers precariously seated on top of the cargo when the police officer stopped him for inspection.

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The suspect reportedly became aggressive and proceeded to attack the officer before fleeing the scene on his tricycle.

MAG/VPO

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