ACCRA, Oct 8 (The African Portal) – The National Security Council has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a growing number of violent attacks on security officers and installations across the country.
In a statement signed by the Minister for the Interior and Responsible for National Security, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Council said the incidents posed a serious threat to national stability and the rule of law.
The warning follows a series of violent clashes involving uniformed officers in recent weeks.
On 5 October, gunmen wearing masks reportedly attacked the town of Sampa in the Bono Region during a chieftaincy-related dispute. A police officer was shot and later died from his injuries, while several others were wounded.
Two days earlier, an officer of the Ghana Immigration Service was killed and another injured when armed men attacked the Gbintri inland checkpoint in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region.
“The Council strongly condemns these acts of aggression, which undermine the rule of law, the authority of the State, and the safety of the very officers mandated to protect the citizenry,” the statement said.
It directed all security agencies to apply the “necessary minimum force” to protect themselves and enforce the law when confronted with violent attacks.
While warning that officers who act unprofessionally or abuse their authority will face disciplinary measures, the Council stressed that no individual or group has the right to assault or obstruct public officers in the lawful execution of their duties.
“It must be clearly emphasised that no individual or group has the right to attack or obstruct public officers in the lawful discharge of their duties, whether verbally, physically, or through the use of weapons,” it said.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding peace, stability and public order, adding that all operations by security agencies would continue to be guided by Ghana’s laws and democratic principles.
