Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has raised concerns over the growing formation of private forces by chiefs, political parties, individuals and organisations for self-protection, describing the practice as illegal and explained that it must not be tolerated.
According to the minister, only forces authorised by the state have the mandate to provide protection to individuals or groups.
“There can be no forces for the protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state,” Mr. Mubarak said.
He directed security service commanders to take immediate steps to prevent the development of such groups and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
The minister also expressed concern over the increasing practice of officers and trainers at security service training schools allowing recruits to be recorded during training, with the resulting videos and other content shared on social media.
He has therefore directed all Service Commanders to introduce appropriate controls to prevent the unauthorised recording, publication and circulation of images and videos of recruits undergoing training.
“Our training schools are institutions of discipline, professionalism and service. They must not become platforms for content that compromises the privacy, dignity or security of trainees,” Mr. Mubarak said.
He stressed that the dignity of recruits must be protected, noting that how trainees are treated reflects the standards expected of personnel once they join the active service.
“The dignity of our trainees matters. It is also inseparable from the image of those already in active service,” he said.
The minister directed commanders to ensure that officers and trainers under their authority understand the seriousness of the directive and comply with the new requirements.
Digital biometric identification system
Meanwhile, Mr. Mubarak disclosed that the government, working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), expects to deploy more than 700 Digital Enrolment Stations across the country by the end of 2026.
The stations will form part of the rollout of the National Criminal Automated Biometric Identification System, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity for digital identification and criminal investigations.
The minister said the initiative would support efforts to modernise law enforcement and improve the systems available to security agencies.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
