Six BNI officers sacked, one demoted - Report

Six officers of the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) have reportedly been dismissed, while another has been demoted, following investigations into allegations of misconduct involving suspects held in the agency's custody.

According to a report by 3News on October 22, 2026, the affected officers were implicated in an illegal arrangement through which detained suspects allegedly gained access to mobile phones and other unauthorised services in exchange for money.

The scandal came to light following a security breach on February 16, 2026, when an officer conducting routine inspections at one of the agency's detention facilities reportedly caught a suspect making a phone call.

The discovery raised serious security concerns, prompting an internal investigation into how prohibited items had entered the detention facilities.

During subsequent searches of two holding facilities, investigators reportedly retrieved several unauthorised items, including at least six mobile phones, phone accessories and a screwdriver, which was considered a potentially dangerous weapon.

Obuasi SHTS Saga: Zakaria Abdulai speaks after police caution, bail

Further investigations uncovered what appeared to be a connection between some BNI personnel and the detained suspects.

According to the report, investigators discovered a telephone number written on the back of a playing card used by suspects for recreational activities.

Checks revealed that the number belonged to a BNI officer, raising suspicions about possible collaboration between agency personnel and individuals in custody. The discovery prompted further investigations, which allegedly exposed a network of compromised officers who facilitated the supply of mobile phones and other prohibited services to suspects for financial gain.

Investigators also established that some suspects had been receiving food from restaurants through arrangements made with their relatives and certain BNI officers, without following the agency's approved procedures.

The food deliveries reportedly served as a means of smuggling mobile phones and accessories into the detention facilities, allowing suspects to communicate with people outside custody.

Following the revelations, eight BNI officers were subjected to internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings.

At the conclusion of the disciplinary process, six officers were dismissed from the service, one was demoted, and another was cleared of wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, sources cited by 3News indicate that the agency has introduced stricter internal security measures to prevent similar incidents.

The measures reportedly include polygraph examinations for personnel, tighter supervision and additional disciplinary controls aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring compliance with established regulations.

AM

Inside Ghana’s Abandoned Engineering Powerhouse: What Went Wrong?