Interior Minister charges Police to tighten election security, crack down on unauthorized VIP protection

Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has tasked Regional Police Commanders to urgently strengthen election security, intensify anti-robbery operations, and enforce discipline against unauthorized VIP protection services, as Ghana heads into a sensitive electoral period.

Delivering the keynote address at the Regional Commanders Conference of the Ghana Police Service at the Police Headquarters Cafeteria on Friday, the Minister conveyed the goodwill of President John Dramani Mahama and praised officers for safeguarding the lives and freedoms of citizens.

He described the gathering as taking place at “a crucial time of both challenge and opportunity,” noting that the leadership choices of commanders translate national security policy into everyday safety.

Commends IGP’s Anti-Galamsey Drive

Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak lauded Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno for what he called “tireless and courageous efforts” in confronting illegal mining (galamsey), which he framed as a grave threat to national stability and the environment.

He urged sustained inter-agency collaboration and warned that “posterity will not forgive us” if the menace is left unchecked.

Ablekuma North Lessons; Akwatia By-Election on Watch

Referencing disturbances during the recent Ablekuma North rerun, the Minister said the incident exposed gaps in electoral security readiness.

With a by-election pending in Akwatia, he charged the conference to review deployment strength, briefing quality, logistics, and command coordination.

He called for close collaboration with the Electoral Commission, community leaders, and civil society to build confidence.

He further requested that the IGP establish a dedicated Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force for the Akwatia poll to “redeem the lapses of the past and strengthen the legacy of Ghanaian democracy.”

Rising Armed Robbery: Multi-Layered Strategy Proposed

Citing increased sophistication in highway and urban robberies across the country, the Minister urged commanders to go beyond reactive patrols.

He outlined a package of strategies informed by international best practice:

Predictive policing & data fusion centres to map crime patterns and risk drivers.

Community policing revival to rebuild trust and improve intelligence flow.

Targeted special operations to disrupt armed syndicates and seize illegal weapons.

Smart surveillance technology — CCTV, drones, AI-supported monitoring in hotspots.

Rapid response mobility using helicopters, motorbikes, and armoured support.

Welfare & morale initiatives, arguing “a well-motivated officer is the best line of defense.”

Zero Tolerance for Unauthorized VIP Protection

Reiterating a warning from the previous conference, the Minister condemned officers who privately attach themselves to celebrities, businesspeople, or politicians without authorization.

"Police protection is a privilege governed by law and policy, not a commodity for private gain,” he said, directing the IGP to audit all current VIP protection arrangements. Offenders will face disciplinary sanctions.

Equitable Posting of New Recruits

To improve police visibility and shorten response times, newly passed-out recruits will be distributed equitably across all regions, districts, and operational zones, the Minister assured.

He urged commanders to mentor the fresh officers in ethics and professionalism.

GHS 1 Billion Security Retooling Fund

In a major resourcing pledge, Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak announced that government has earmarked GHS 1,000,000,000.00 to retool the security services with modern equipment, vehicles, technology, accommodation, and capacity building.

The Ghana Police Service will receive a “significant portion,” he said, and called for transparent, results-focused use of the funds.

Appreciation for Mahama Care Collaboration

The Minister thanked the Police Administration for supporting the Mahama Care public health outreach initiative, citing crowd control, logistics, and coordination roles as evidence of policing in service of human security.

Call to Duty

Closing his address, Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak urged commanders to lead with “boldness, compassion, and professionalism

On his part, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, assured Ghanaians of the Ghana Police Service’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, and professionalism as the country prepares for key electoral activities.

The IGP highlighted recent operational successes, institutional reforms, and measures aimed at safeguarding national security.

Galamsey Fight Intensifies

The IGP disclosed that the Police Service, working with the Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission, and other security agencies, has intensified efforts against illegal mining.

He reported that 59 suspects have been arrested, with 23 currently standing trial, while 106 excavators and several weapons have been seized in operations across hotspots in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Central, Upper West, and Samreboi areas.

“These actions are not just about enforcement; they are about safeguarding our environment and the future of our children,” he stressed.

Election Security and Internal Discipline

On electoral security, Mr. Yohuno reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on election-related violence.

He said investigations into the recent Ablekuma North re-run violence are ongoing, with perpetrators being identified through video evidence.

A technical team has also been set up to oversee security for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

Addressing issues of discipline within the ranks, the IGP disclosed that an officer implicated in the Ablekuma incident has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau and charged for assault.

“This sends a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated,” he emphasized.

Welfare, Sports, and Promotions

The IGP assured personnel of ongoing welfare initiatives, including improved healthcare, holiday leave entitlements, and expanded housing schemes.

He revealed plans to provide advanced medical care, including specialized kidney treatment in the UK for critically ill officers.

Mr. Yohuno also celebrated recent sports milestones:

The male football team’s qualification for the Division One League for the first time.

The female team’s victory in the Malta Guinness League and qualification for the CAF Women’s Championship.

Sixteen arm-wrestlers selected for the African Championship in Abuja.

The Beach Volleyball Team’s gold medal win at the International Tour in Rwanda.

On promotions, he assured officers that a dedicated committee is addressing long-standing grievances and that arbitrary interdictions have been lifted.

Technological and International Partnerships

The IGP disclosed that the Police Service has upgraded its intelligence systems, digitized administrative processes, and revamped its criminal data management system.

Notable innovations include the operationalization of Public Safety Centres and the AMBER Alert Ghana initiative in partnership with Meta.

Internationally, the Service continues to work with INTERPOL and the West African Police Chiefs Committee, ensuring capacity building in areas such as cybercrime and counter-terrorism.

Call for Public Partnership

Emphasizing community policing, Mr. Yohuno urged citizens to collaborate with the Police by sharing credible information and supporting operations.

“The citizens we serve are not just beneficiaries; they are partners,” he stated.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith