Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister-designate for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, has outlined some of his comprehensive plans for reforming Ghana’s internal security.
He was speaking during his appearance before parliaments appointment committee today.
Below are the 10 key promises he made during the session:
- Mandatory Use of Body Cameras by Police Officers
Muntaka pledged to enforce the use of body cameras for all police officers on duty to combat misconduct, including extortion and brutality.
“When you put the body camera on, everywhere you are, you are being recorded,” he explained. He emphasized that this measure would promote transparency and provide irrefutable evidence in cases of alleged abuse by law enforcement.
- Reforms in Recruitment and Promotions in Security Services
The nominee vowed to overhaul the recruitment and promotion processes in security services, including the police, fire, and prison services.
Highlighting issues like delayed promotions and limited career growth, Muntaka proposed merit-based advancements and transparent performance evaluations. “Codified promotion structures and clear guidelines will ensure fairness and efficiency,” he noted.
- Improved Feeding Budget for Prison Inmates
Describing the GHC1.80 daily feeding allowance for inmates as “dehumanizing,” Muntaka called for an increase in budgetary allocations for prisoners’ welfare.
“Today, the rationing for a prisoner in Ghana is GHC1.80 for the whole day,” he said, adding that such conditions undermine rehabilitation efforts and human dignity.
- Commendation for Police Handling of 2024 Elections
Muntaka praised the Ghana Police Service for their decision not to use firearms during the 2024 general elections, which resulted in zero police-related fatalities.
“The decision of the police to refuse to use firearms is the reason no deaths have come from the police during the elections so far,” he stated. He also pledged to ensure the prosecution of offenders involved in electoral violence.
READ ALSO: “I cannot determine the future of Akuffo Dampare as IGP” – Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak
- Renaming Prisons to Correctional Centres
As part of a broader prison reform agenda, Muntaka advocated for renaming prisons as “correctional centres” to shift public perception of ex-convicts.
“The fact that one has gone to prison does not make them a different breed of human,” he emphasized, stressing the importance of reintegration and rehabilitation.
- Strengthening Internal Security Services
Muntaka committed to fortifying Ghana’s internal security apparatus through improved personnel management, technological adoption, and resource allocation.
“By addressing systemic issues and fostering transparency, we can build public trust in our security services,” he said.
- “I Can’t Decide IGP’s Fate – That’s the President’s Call”
During his vetting, Mubarak made it clear that he does not have the authority to determine the future of the current Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
“I cannot tell who should be maintained or who is to be removed,” he explained, stating that such decisions are ultimately made by the President.
- Condemnation of Police Firing in Jubilation
Muntaka distanced himself from a controversial incident involving police officers firing weapons in celebration of his nomination.
“I was vehemently against that shooting in the house. I have also made that officer apologize because I don’t think that was right,” he said, condemning the act as reckless.
- Harnessing Technology to Trace Firearms
Muntaka announced plans to introduce technological solutions to trace firearm ownership and improve public safety.
“I will engage with stakeholders to implement technological solutions that trace firearm ownership effectively,” he explained, emphasizing the need to reduce illegal firearms.
- Amnesty for Unregistered Firearms**
To tackle the proliferation of illegal firearms, Muntaka proposed an amnesty program for individuals possessing unregistered weapons.
“This will provide an opportunity for people to surrender firearms without fear of prosecution,” he stated, highlighting its potential to reduce unregistered firearms in circulation.
