‘No more ceremonial meetings’ – National Security Coordinator demands real-time security coordination

The National Security Coordinator, COP Osman Abdul-Razak, has called for an end to inter-agency meetings, urging Ghana’s security and intelligence agencies to adopt real-time operational coordination to effectively enforce the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).

Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), organised by Election Watch Ghana at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), COP Razak said security agencies must work as a unified system to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of vigilante groups.

He stressed that preventing political violence requires continuous and practical collaboration rather than periodic meetings that have little impact on operations.

According to him, security agencies must establish shared communication channels, conduct joint risk assessments, integrate intelligence in real time and operate under coordinated command structures.

COP Razak said the Police, Armed Forces, Immigration Service, Prisons Service and intelligence agencies must strengthen their collaboration to identify and address threats before they escalate.

He also called for the enforcement of Act 999 to be completely free from political influence, stressing that the credibility of Ghana’s security institutions depends on their ability to apply the law fairly and consistently.

The National Security Coordinator further advocated for early interventions ahead of elections, saying security planning should begin well before political tensions reach a critical stage.

He said security agencies should rely on evidence-based intelligence and early-warning mechanisms to identify potential threats and take preventive action before political violence occurs.

COP Razak also emphasised the need for joint field operations among the various security services, arguing that closer operational integration would improve the country’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

He added that public confidence in the enforcement of Act 999 would depend on visible accountability and transparency, ensuring that citizens can see that justice is being applied fairly.

AK/AM

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