Security Lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr Victor Doke, has called for strict adherence to legal procedures in national security operations, particularly in cases involving home raids.

In an interview on Joy FM's Middaynews on Thursday, March 20, he stated that security agencies must follow legal protocols, as is done in Western countries.

Dr Doke further warned against the consequences of unlawful raids, referencing past instances where aggressive operations, often described as “Rambo-style entries,” yielded no significant results and only heightened political tensions.

“You don’t just enter a private property. You need a warrant that clearly states the reasons for the search. That is the level of accountability and transparency we should be working towards,” he said.

“Going forward, there must be respect for the law in acquiring the necessary documents to authorise operatives to enter people’s homes,” he added.

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His comment is in response to the recent national security raid at the residence of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison. This is the second such incident after a raid on the home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta who has since filed a suit against National Security for trespassing.

Dr Doke criticised the modus operandi of national security operatives, stating that their approach has remained unchanged over the years.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between national security and the police, pointing out that national security should not act independently of internal security agencies.

“National security should not operate independently of the police. These are both state institutions, and they require a level of collaboration to conduct thorough investigations. Failure to do so could create unnecessary conflicts, such as between the former and current BoG governors, with allegations of personal vendettas arising,” he noted.

Dr Doke further raised concerns about allegations against security operatives regarding missing valuables, including money and jewellery, during such operations. “Now they are being accused of taking money and jewellery. What if, next time, they are accused of causing harm or even death? That would be a very serious issue,” he cautioned.