Muntaka orders police to crack down on vigilante groups, unauthorised guards

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to curb vigilantism and prevent individuals and organisations from forming unauthorised groups for self-defence.

He warned that the growing practice of chiefs, political parties, individuals and other organisations establishing private forces to protect themselves posed a serious threat to national peace, public order and security.

Mr Muntaka made the call at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra, where he urged the Police Service to take firm action against activities that could undermine national security.

He reminded the police that the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), prohibits the formation of such groups and called on commanders to ensure that offenders were brought to justice.

“We observe with concern a new trend of chiefs, political parties, individuals, and some organisations building forces for self-protection. The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 Act 999 is clear on this matter.

“These are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no forces for protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state. I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” he said.

The Interior Minister also expressed concern over the recording and circulation of videos showing recruits undergoing training at various security service institutions.

He directed commanders to immediately put measures in place to prevent unauthorised recording, publication and distribution of such content on social media.

Mr Muntaka said the practice could compromise the integrity of security institutions and their training programmes and urged officers and trainers to exercise greater caution.

“I am equally concerned about the growing number of officers and trainers in our training schools, allowing videos and other content of recruits undergoing training to be recorded and shared on social media. This practice must stop,” he said.

He therefore directed all service commanders to establish appropriate controls to prevent unauthorised images and videos of recruits in training from being recorded, published or circulated.