Don't turn security agencies into political weapons – Muntaka warns Regional Ministers

Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has cautioned Regional Ministers against using state security agencies to pursue political agendas or settle personal scores.

He warned that such actions could damage public confidence in the country's institutions.

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Addressing Regional Ministers at a training programme on the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026 (Act 1168) in Accra, Muntaka stressed the need for public officials to exercise restraint and respect the legal boundaries governing the operations of security institutions.

According to him, government officials often come under pressure from political allies, interest groups and individuals seeking to use state institutions for purposes unrelated to their constitutional mandate.

The interior minister, however, insisted that security agencies must remain professional and impartial, serving the interests of the state rather than political actors.

“Unlawful or partisan use of the security institutions has no place within this room,” he said.

Muntaka warned that any attempt to politicise security institutions could undermine Ghana's democratic gains and weaken public trust in agencies tasked with protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.

He therefore urged Regional Ministers to uphold the principles of accountability, fairness and the rule of law in their dealings with security agencies.

Beyond the caution, the minister encouraged stronger collaboration between Regional Ministers and security agencies in their respective regions to enhance intelligence gathering, improve crime prevention efforts and strengthen public safety.

He also disclosed that the government is taking steps to modernise the country's security architecture through increased recruitment, improved training programmes and the provision of additional logistics to security agencies.

Muntaka further noted that efforts are underway to strengthen border security and deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries as part of measures to tackle emerging security threats and transnational crime.

NA/VPO