National Security Spies On Kumasi

THE CITY of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, has suddenly become one of the places that have attracted the attention of the National Security ahead of the December 7 elections.

Several Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at vantage points, including traffic intersections, in the metropolis.

Cameras are now producing a clickable map of the city and making the National Security operatives very watchful of activities in the streets and other public places for “traffic control and general security.”

This spying move has begun to raise eyebrows with the suggestion that the real motive of the CCTV cameras may not be to combat violent crime, but to monitor and track political opponents of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“We saw some things that raised questions. Why are they installing CCTV cameras to monitor our activities without our knowledge? This is problematic,” a concerned resident stated.

But in a sharp rebuttal, the Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, said there was no cause for alarm as the CCTV cameras are only meant for traffic control and general security of the city.

He told DAILY GUIDE that this has nothing to do with the upcoming elections, and that the move forms part of the National Security's strategic security surveillance.

The idea of surveillance on ordinary citizens in the city was first proposed by the immediate past Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Kojo Bonsu, but it was rejected by the assembly members, who were concerned about the cost.

However, the latest uneasiness is centred on the real motive since some of these technologies incorporate number plate readers, sound detection microphones and facial recognition software as well as programmes that can recognise people from the way they walk.

From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi