By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Minister-designate for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has vowed to tackle police misconduct by ensuring the widespread use of body cameras to curb harassment of motorists and improve professionalism within the Ghana Police Service.
He pledged to promote transparency and accountability, emphasising that the deployment of body cameras will address concerns about extortion and brutality on the roads.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr. Mubarak disclosed that 800 body cameras have already been procured, with an additional 30,800 in the pipeline. He explained that once fully deployed, the cameras will eliminate ambiguities surrounding police interactions with the public. “If you are a police officer stepping out, you must have your body camera on. This will ensure that every action is recorded, protecting both the public and officers,” he said.
Additionally, he admitted that while instances of roadside harassment by police officers have reduced, there remain pockets of misconduct that need urgent attention. According to him, equipping officers with body cameras will deter unprofessional behaviour and strengthen public trust in the police service.
Beyond the use of body cameras, Mr. Mubarak highlighted the need for a culture of professionalism across all agencies under the Ministry of the Interior. He acknowledged persistent issues such as delays in promotions, lack of transparency in transfers and morale concerns within the services. The minister-designate pledged to implement codified processes for promotions and transfers, ensuring they are merit-based and clearly documented.
Furthermore, he said that professionalism would also be reinforced through stricter adherence to existing policies. For example, he promised to examine the practice where officers remain in one post for extended periods, which often hampers career growth and operational efficiency. “Once we set clear standards and educate officers on these processes, we can eliminate demotivation and ensure fairness,” he said.
Addressing public concerns about law enforcement agencies investigating their own misconduct, Mr. Mubarak revealed plans to push for the establishment of an Independent Police Standards Bureau. This body would handle complaints against the police and other security agencies, ensuring investigations are impartial and credible.
“We need to move beyond self-investigation and adopt a model that inspires trust and confidence in the system,” he remarked.
He cited instances where independent investigations have yielded fairer outcomes, including a high-profile case in which a police-involved shooting of civilians was later proven unjustified. Mr. Mubarak pledged to advocate for the resources and legislative support needed to create such a bureau.
On the matter of land disputes, the minister-designate expressed concern about the unprofessional involvement of security agencies in land issues. He recounted personal experiences where conflicting police responses escalated tensions rather than resolving them.
“We must demand that officers act lawfully and professionally in all land-related matters, ensuring they are not swayed by influence or money,” he emphasised.
He called for the digitalisation of land documentation to prevent fraudulent practices and safeguard legitimate landowners. According to him, improved record-keeping and transparency would reduce conflicts and make enforcement more effective.
Moreover, Mr. Mubarak assured the committee that he would prioritise measures to sustain the country’s reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in West Africa. He outlined plans to strengthen morale within the security services, improve training and provide adequate resources to law enforcement agencies. “A peaceful Ghana is what we sell to the world. We must do everything possible to maintain that,” he stressed.
He also appealed for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely funding for security agencies. According to him, adequate funding and incentives are essential to motivate officers and enable them to perform their duties effectively.
