Open Letter To BNI

FOLLOW THEM, PICK THEM, DETAIN THEM

BUT

PUBLIC DEMANDS

The security agencies, especially the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), have over the years played significant roles in ensuring peace and stability in the country.

These roles are felt by all but very few actually appreciate the extent to which they contribute to national stability and peace due to the lack of Public Relations and the secrecy surrounding some of their activities.

However, one interesting thing about the agencies is the sudden emergence of reports on their activities when there is a change in government or when some key political figures are involved in any acts of corruption. This has over the years fuelled the perception that they are there for the ruling government alone, instead of the nation as a whole.

The recent incident in which former Minister of Information, Mr. Asamoah Boateng and his family were stopped from traveling by BNI operatives has drawn some reaction from the public.

Some members of the public, who got in touch with The Daily Democrat, were of the view that though the government is right in ensuring that past officials are held accountable for their deeds and misdeeds, there is the need for some restraint in the way the whole thing is handled.

Citing the case of Asamoah Boateng, the former Minister of Information as an example, they expressed unhappiness over the last minute prevention of the former minister and his family from traveling.

'In a situation like this, Asamoah Boateng should have been informed earlier of an impending investigation involving him, for which reason he would have scheduled his traveling arrangement to suit his appearance before the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), one of them said.

They also asked for formalization of invitations to persons wanted at the BNI and any other agency to ensure that the system is not abused or taken advantage of by some unscrupulous people.

They agreed that matters of national security are of paramount importance and for that matter, there is nothing wrong with the employment of various tactics to get the right things done. However, they also believe, activities of the agencies should be handled in a way that would not tag it as a government machinery put in place to target opponents of the ruling party.

 “With the case of Kwadwo Mpiani, it was clear that he had prior notice so there is no excuse for him, but in this case (Asamoah Boateng's) it appears he was not given any prior notice,” another observed.

They claimed that even though the NPP reportedly used the BNI to do worse things when they were in power, especially against members of the NDC, the BNI and other National Security agencies have a responsibility to prove to the public that they work in the interest of the nation, and not that of any political party.

They asked for the application of more Public Relations (PR) tactics in their affairs, especially in educating the public on their activities to allay the fears of the public and clear the perception that they serve the interests of certain individuals.

They also observed that the state-funded agencies are mostly heard of when it comes to matters involving politicians, blaming the perception on the lack of PR and communication between the agencies and the public.

It is about time they (security agency) made more things known to the public for us to help them in our small way. The situation where their activities and information about them are disseminated by Ministers of Information and other government functionaries re-enforces the perception that they are working for the ruling party,” a civil servant observed.

Asamoah Boateng was stopped from traveling outside the country with his wife and children, when National Security operatives accosted them at the Kotoka International Airport and prevented them from boarding the plane at the last check-in point.

His wife was alleged to have struggled with the operatives, an action that has been described as obstruction of security officer in the execution of his duty, a charge liable for prosecution.

A few days ago, Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, former Chief of Staff, was dragged to the offices of the BNI to answer some questions on his stewardship under the NPP administration. The issues discussed bordered on Ghana@50 celebrations and others.

Mr. Frank Agyekum, former Deputy Minister of Information was also invited to answer some questions over a contract Asamoah Boateng is alleged to have awarded to his wife's relative.