The Upper West Regional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Wisdom Lavoe, has observed that although the 1992 Constitution of Ghana provides for the fundamental human rights of all citizens, some sections of the media and the security agencies are ethically irresponsible. He said such behaviour, including harassment, extortion, abuse of suspected criminals and other forms of human rights violations by sections of the security agencies and carrying of half-truths of events by some media houses sent wrong signals to the public hence jeopardising investigations. He therefore called for attitudinal change in order to nurture the country's young democracy. Mr. Lavoe was delivering a paper on the topic “the role of the security agencies in advancing democracy in Ghana; prospects and challenges,” at the launch of this year's constitutional week in the Upper West Region in WA. It was organised by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE). He noted that the relationship between the civil public and security agencies had not been cordial and was characterised by myths as if it was the sole preserve of the personnel with its attendance effect of low level of cooperation among them, hence making the work of security personnel difficult and people suffering in silence due to ignorance. “Another deficit in the security sector is the political interference and a related political ill-will towards their operation. There is a growing feeling that a government in power must necessarily control everybody irrespective of matters of merits. There is also lack of political will to invest in the development of the security sector,” he added. Mr. Lavoe said in terms of logistics, more efforts were required which was a matter of great concern, but appreciated efforts made by successive government to arrest the situation. He said despite the challenges, Ghana still remain the icon in the sub-regions and most part of the world in terms of security and good governance. According to him, the Police service like other security agencies, was vigorously organising refresher courses for its members and hoped that within the shortest possible time the public would be more willing to report criminals and their activities to security agencies than being experienced now. Mr. Lavoe said the security of the nation was a shared responsibility between the government, security agencies and the general public and that in the same vein, effective collaboration and cooperation among security was a necessity since it would enable them to share expertise and experience for a common goal. He was happy that people were becoming familiar with elections and the electoral process due to the frequent elections that were being held. “The understandings of the process will ultimately reduce the incidence of violence and the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said. He called on non-governmental organisations which were interested in security to assist since the country had no choice than to embrace democracy and good governance. For his part, the Regional Fire Officer, Assistant Chief Fire Officer J. K. Ahinsan, who spoke on the same topic, bemoaned the lack of equipment to enable his outfit to work effectively. He expressed the hope that with time more and modern equipment would be given to the service to enable it function efficiently and effectively. The Catholic Bishop of Wa, Most Reverend Dr Paul Bemile, suggested that the 1992 Constitution should be made examinable at the basic educational level as done in some countries. Source: Daily Graphic