Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has dismissed opposition claims that the government is using security agencies to intimidate political opponents and suppress free speech.
Speaking in an interview with Kwasi Pratt Jnr on Pan African TV monitored by Kumasi Mail, Mr Mubarak said recent arrests by security agencies were linked to alleged acts of incitement rather than efforts to silence dissenting voices.
The Interior Minister was responding to accusations from sections of the opposition NPP members and activists that the country was experiencing a growing “culture of silence” and a climate of fear under the current administration.
“No, obviously what they are talking about cannot be the facts,” he said.
Mr Mubarak described himself as “an ardent democrat” who understands the value of democratic freedoms because of his own background and political journey.
“Looking at where I was born at Aboabo in Kumasi, it’s almost a semi-slum. Without democracy, I couldn’t have dreamed of even being where I am today,” he stated.
The minister said he would be “the last person” to support actions that undermine democratic rights and freedom of expression.
However, he argued that freedom of speech must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.
He cited instances where individuals allegedly made threatening comments against public officials, including the president, insisting that security agencies could not ignore such statements under the guise of free speech.
“You have all manner of utterances. You cannot just say that is free speech. Then we are drawing ourselves into anarchy,” he said.
Mr Mubarak stressed that individuals arrested by security agencies are processed through the courts within the constitutionally required time frame.
“There were times people were locked up for days and nobody even knew where they were,” he said.
“Now, even when arrests are made, they are quickly prepared and put before the court for the court to determine the matter.”
According to him, the government remains committed to due process and constitutional checks and balances.
The Interior Minister also disclosed plans to establish an Independent Internal Security Complaints Authority to provide civilian oversight over the conduct of security agencies.
He explained that the proposed body would function similarly to independent police complaints commissions in other jurisdictions, allowing citizens to report alleged misconduct by security personnel to an external institution.
“We are trying to establish one just to serve as a check and balance,” he said.
Mr Mubarak maintained that the government had no intention of suppressing criticism but warned against inflammatory statements capable of creating tension and instability in the country.
“If I decide to mount the camera and say all manner of things against you, and tomorrow you also do the same, before we realise it we will be driving the country into a very serious insecure position,” he said.
He added that the government’s responsibility was to ensure that citizens are free to go about their activities peacefully while preventing abuse and incitement that could threaten national security.
The minister further defended President John Dramani Mahama, saying the president would not tolerate arbitrary abuses by security agencies.
“He is not the type who will tolerate a situation where people are abused and he will sit and watch,” Mr Mubarak said.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
