Interior Minister-designate and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has broken his silence on the controversial incident involving police officers firing weapons in jubilation to celebrate his nomination.
A video of the incident, which surfaced on social media, has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the accountability of the Ghana Police Service (GhPS) in firearm use.
Responding to the backlash during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Muntaka distanced himself from the incident, saying, “I was vehemently against that shooting in the house. I have also made that officer apologize because I don’t think that was right.”
The video, which shows officers firing their weapons into the air as a form of celebration, has sparked widespread concern. Critics, including Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, former spokesperson for the Akufo-Addo administration, have expressed alarm over the recklessness displayed.
Critics Call for Accountability and Oversight
Dr. Boakye-Danquah, in a strongly-worded statement on his X page, condemned the incident and called for urgent reforms.
“What if, by mistake, this shooting had gone wrong and shot at the Minister-designate? Would we have said the policeman has killed his boss?” he questioned.
He further raised concerns about the safety of the general public, asking whether unchecked actions by armed police officers posed a risk. “Are we, the general people in Ghana, at risk of police personnel who take decisions on their own with the use of AK-47s in the public domain?”
Boakye-Danquah urged the Ghana Police Service to take swift and decisive action, recommending the withdrawal of the officer from Muntaka’s security detail and an immediate investigation. He emphasized that such incidents send the wrong message to the public and undermine trust in law enforcement.
Public Outcry Over Lack of Transparency
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, further fueling public concerns about transparency and accountability. Critics argue that the incident reflects broader issues within the police force, including a lack of oversight in firearm usage and disciplinary procedures.
Boakye-Danquah concluded by urging the Ghana Police to implement reforms that prevent similar incidents in the future. “This cannot continue. The Ghana Police must act swiftly to ensure public safety and restore confidence,” he said.
As Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak awaits confirmation as Minister for the Interior, the incident has highlighted the pressing need for reforms in police conduct and firearm regulation.
With growing public scrutiny, the Ghana Police Service is under pressure to address the concerns and demonstrate a commitment to accountability.
Ruth Sekyi – ABC News GH
