Security expert, Dr Kwesi Aning, has admitted that the laws of Ghana are not explicit on the kind of offence the three South African ex-cops are being accused of.

According to him, there are several laws in the country which seemed to oppose the activities of the three men, but they are not clear.

Speaking on the Joy FM/MultiTV’s news analysis programme, Newsfile, Dr. Aning said “While the law may not be explicit, [however] if you read the L.I.1571 and 1579 [of the Police Service Act 350] carefully there is clarity about who could play a role” in the security of the nation.

The Police Service Act (Act 350) says in the Regulations 1992 Legislative Instrument (L.I.1571), and the amended Regulations 1994 (L.I. 1579) section 12 (1) that: “No employee of an organization licensed under regulation 1, shall wear, carry or bear any uniform, cap, badge, accoutrements, or other identification marks unless the uniform, cap, badge, accoutrements or another identification mark has been approved for use by the Inspector-General of Police in writing."

He said the law assigns the Minister of Interior or whoever is responsible the opportunity to interpret the law in the interest of the State.

When the news of the arrested three South Africans broke, Dr. Aning was quoted as saying he has combed through all the security laws of Ghana and he does not see any justification for what the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) did.

The men, Major Ahmed Shaik Hazis (Rtd.) 54, WO/Denver Dwayhe Naidu (Rtd.) 39, and Captain Mlungiseleli Jokani (Rtd.) 45 were picked up at the El Capitano Hotel at Agona Duakwa Sunday, March 20 by BNI officials in the Agona East of the Central region.

The three men were granted a bail of ¢20,000 each by the Accra Circuit Court Thursday, March 24 but the BNI whisked them away just when they were preparing to settle the money.

According to Dr. Aning, the absence of clarity of the law with regards to such matters as the case of the three South Africans, presents the nation an opportunity to ensure that the laws are made clear.

He also said few of the security companies operating in the country have duly registered with the Ministry of Interior and have failed to file their documents in accordance with the laws of Ghana.

Dr. Aning said the strength of the Interior Ministry is weakening adding it needs to be empowered to act right.