The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has asked police personnel to desist from offering unauthorised protection services to celebrities, business people, and political actors with immediate effect.Consequently, he has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to, as a matter of urgency, conduct a comprehensive audit of all VIP protection arrangements to ensure compliance.Mr Muntaka Muhammed-Mubarak (seated middle) with the leadership of the Police Service"Police protection is governed by law and policy; as such, it must not be treated as a private commodity.
Indeed, any officer engaging in such conduct without proper authorisation would face strict disciplinary action," he warned.Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak issued the warning on Friday in Accra during the 17th Regional Commanders' Conference of the Ghana Police Service.The annual forum brought together senior police leadership to assess operations, review policies, and enhance coordination across regional commands.He explained that the directive formed part of broader reforms to strengthen public confidence in the service's VIP protection arrangements, stressing that: "Such practices will no longer be tolerated.""The Police Service must not only be incorruptible but must be seen to be incorruptible," he said.Mr Mubarak also instructed the IGP to establish an Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force to oversee the Akwatia by-election following lapses observed during the Ablekuma North re-run.He called for sufficient deployment of resourced and well-briefed personnel, urging collaboration with the Electoral Commission, civil society, and local leaders to ensure peaceful and credible elections.Commending the Service's efforts in combating illegal mining, the Minister described "galamsey" as one of the gravest threats to Ghana's stability and pledged continued government support.He assured regional commanders of the government's commitment to improving officer welfare through investments in housing, healthcare, and logistics.The Minister also revealed that a retooling fund of GH¢1 billion had been allocated to the security services, with a significant share dedicated to equipment, vehicles, and training for the Police Service.In his remarks, the IGP, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, reaffirmed the Service's commitment to professionalism, safety, and reform.He highlighted key achievements, including the rescue of two kidnapped Ghanaian women from Nigeria, arrests of suspects in MoMo and mining-related robberies, and the capture of a lone armed robber and a murder suspect.On illegal mining, he reported the arrest of 59 suspects, 23 on trial, and the seizure of 106 excavators across hotspot regions.He addressed electoral violence, confirming that investigations into the Ablekuma North incident were ongoing, with one officer already charged for assault.Arbitrary interdictions have been lifted, and reforms are underway to streamline promotions and officer welfare.The IGP also noted advances in technology, improved intelligence systems, and international collaboration with INTERPOL and West African partners.He urged public cooperation and encouraged regional commanders to strengthen inter-agency and community partnerships to improve safety and accountability. BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
