The Minister of Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has has disclosed his plans for stricter licensing procedures for private security personnel and the commercialization of residency permits for foreign nationals in Ghana.
He made these remarks during a meeting with Christian community leaders in Kumasi as part of his two-day working tour and stakeholder engagement.
Addressing concerns about the employment and certification of private security personnel, the minister emphasized the need for proper background checks and licensing.
He noted that many private security personnel are employed without proper screening, posing potential risks to public safety.
“When I became the minister I have noticed that about 500,000 Ghanaian people have been recruited into the private security agencies. The people they use they call them Manguards they are supposed to be trained and certified to be given license a command international standard practice’’ he said.
He explained unfortunately in Ghana, the people who recruit these private security personnel do not even check the background of the people they recruit to work with them.
“Currently, many private security personnel operate without undergoing proper checks. All they need is to pay money and get a license without thorough scrutiny,” he stated. “We must ensure that those responsible for security services are well-trained, have no criminal records, and are properly certified before being deployed.”
He further highlighted the necessity of regulating private security agencies to ensure they meet professional standards. He proposed a certification system where only those who meet the necessary qualifications and background checks would be permitted to operate.
In addition to security concerns, the Asawase member of Parliament proposed a significant change in Ghana’s immigration policies, particularly regarding foreign residents.
He said that Ghana will soon commercialize residency permits to generate revenue for the country.
“We need to commercialize our residency permits. If a foreigner wants to live and work in Ghana, they should contribute to our economy. We should charge a reasonable amount for residency, ensuring that those coming in are investing in our country,” he said.
According to him, 8000 Indians 7000 chines in 2024 alone applied and secured residents permits, and they are currently in Ghana without making substantial economic contributions. He disclosed the government is going to structure a fee system where foreigners seeking long-term residency would pay a set amount annually, with an option for permanent residency after several years.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also commended the Interior Minister for his efforts in combating crime, particularly targeting criminal gangs involved in robberies and attacks on mobile money vendors in the region.
“Over the past few months, with the support of the Interior Minister, we have taken decisive action against criminals who were terrorizing our communities particularly the MoMo vendor. Currently Several gang leaders and their accomplices have been arrested, and we continue to work to ensure public safety,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
The meeting ended with a call for continuous collaboration between the government and community leaders to strengthen security and uphold the rule of law in Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
