Curbing The Internal Threat On Ghana’s Security

Of late, everyday gives us the horrible news of activities by some Ghanaians which undermine the security and peace of our country Ghana. There is increasing public fear and insecurity. Several lives have already been lost; and properties – both public and private – worth millions of Ghana Cedi’s have been destroyed with impunity.

To me, what is more incredible and unacceptable is the fact that this has gotten to the extent that not only the properties of the Security services are destroyed, but their personnel killed. There is therefore the need for an immediate and lasting solution. But what has been the cause of this menace?

In my opinion, greatly attributable to the seemingly uncontrollable insurgence of internal security threat in Ghana is the failure of the Judicial Service to live up its constitutional mandate. What don’t they do? As it seems, they fail to prosecute some suspected criminals of late; they free arrested crime suspects; grant bails to some; and in a way, sabotage the efforts of the Police Service by undermining their investigations and charges laid against arrested criminals.

In as much as the Judiciary must ensure justice to all – including suspects – it must also ensure that injustices done are accordingly punished no matter who the offender may be. To the extent that some people will storm a court to put to disarray judicial proceedings with impunity is one indication of Ghana’s once revered Judiciary’s failure to maintain its status of respect, dignity and discipline. And none other is the cause but itself.

Another notable cause of the present evil is the inability of the Security Services, especially the police service to pin particular persons to crimes committed even under its very nose. How could police personnel be present at a court as claimed, yet not know the people who stormed the court to disrupt legal and constitutional proceedings?

It has even been alleged that some security officers protect some “galamsey” sites when the whole nation is at war against same. So what image are they marketing about themselves? This seemingly incompetence and conflict of interest of the security services has drained their credentials in the eyes of Ghanaians. And when the security services bear no respect; there will be no respect for security, hence the current happenings.

Ghanaians in the communities where the recent crimes took place have not in any way been patriotic to this land by their action of silence. They do not only shield these criminals, but also cover their traces from the authorities.

So what should we do?
The judiciary should awake out of the slumber of overlooking wrongdoings and criminal offences as it seems to have been doing. Rather than releasing criminals who have been arrested after dire efforts by the police, they should prosecute them to serve as deterrent to others.

The Police Service needs also to be more vigilant; and exhibit high level intelligence in the execution of its duties nowadays. Another thing it must do is to intensively engage its Criminal Investigation Department (CID); as well as work hand in hand with the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to investigate crimes and suspects.

Finally, every Ghanaian should be willing to hand over criminals to face due punishments for their crimes. If we love our lives, we should protect it by protecting others’ and support the course of justice.

The earlier these institutions, particularly the Judicial and Security services sit up to attend to their duties, the better it will for this country. I want to humbly appeal to His Excellency the President to arise to his call as the Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces because the security services work under him.

[Disclaimer: Any portion of this writing which constitutes prejudice of any form is unintended and dully apologized for.]

God bless our homeland Ghana!
Maranatha!
Rich Akpalu
E-mail: [email protected]