Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has cautioned personnel of the Ghana Police Service to desist from creating content on TikTok and other social media platforms while on duty.
The warning follows a rise in videos by police personnel, which the Minister said undermines the integrity and professionalism of the service.
Speaking on the issue at the inauguration of the Regional Command Conference, at the Police Headquarters, the Minister expressed concern that such behaviour portrays the police in a bad light and distracts officers from their core mandate of protecting lives and property.
“I am equally concerned about the growing trend of officers and trainers in our training schools allowing videos and other content of recruits undergoing training to be recorded and shared on social media. This practice must stop,” he said.
“I therefore direct all Service Commanders to ensure that appropriate controls are put in place to prevent the unauthorised recording, publication, and circulation of images or videos of recruits in training,” he added.
He indicated that 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.
“The dignity of our trainees matters. It is also inseparable from the image of those already in active service. How we treat those preparing to wear the uniform reflects the standard we expect them to uphold when they eventually serve the public,” he pointed out.
The Minister entreated all Service Commanders to take immediate steps to enforce this requirement and ensure that officers and trainers under their command understand the seriousness of these directives.
Mohammed-Mubarak assured the Service that government appreciates the sacrifices and commitment in ensuring peace.
“We do not take it lightly. Your sleepless nights keep us safe as we sleep. Your movement, your sacrifices, and your way of life ensure our security. Ghana remains safe and peaceful because of your diligence, dedication, and the exemplary leadership of the Inspector General of Police. For this, we are very grateful,” he stated.
The Minister said he has observed with concern a new trend of chiefs, political parties, individuals, and some organisations forming forces for self-protection. “The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, Act 999, is clear on this matter. These groups are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no force for the protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state,” he said.
“I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” he added.
Mohammed-Mubarak assured that the government is also working with private partners to introduce a number of technology-driven innovations to enhance the work of the Ghana Police Service.
“It is my expectation that you will embrace these new innovations and improve efficiency in most of your operations,” the Minister said. Key among these innovations is traffic enforcement, working with the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU). “We expect that by the end of this year, we will introduce an automated system to enforce road traffic laws and regulations to improve road safety in Ghana,” he stated, and added, “We are confident that this will contribute significantly to reducing the current carnage on our roads.”
According to the Minister, government will also introduce the National Criminal Automated Biometric Identification System. “We are working with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Our hope is that by the end of 2026, we will deploy over 700 digital enrollment stations across the country. With this, we want to end the situation where, to conduct background checks, one has to come all the way to the Police Headquarters,” he stated.
“Background checks should be able to be done at any of the 700 enrollment stations across the country. When completed, this will enhance security through intelligence-led policing, data integrity and accuracy, secure infrastructure, and national coverage, among others. It will fast-track investigations, ensure early detection, deter criminals, protect vulnerable groups, improve justice delivery, and build public confidence.
“The government will continue to resource you, the Ghana Police Service. Government will continue to advocate for you, and government will continue to hold you to the highest standard of accountability, integrity, and professionalism,” the Minister concluded.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke