The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to dismantle vigilante groups and prevent individuals and organisations from forming unauthorised forces for self-protection.

He warned that the growing practice of political parties, chiefs, individuals and other groups establishing their own security forces posed a threat to national peace and security and must not be allowed to take root.

Mr Muntaka issued the directive at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra, where he urged senior officers to remain vigilant and take decisive action against activities capable of undermining public order.

“We observe with concern a new trend of chiefs, political parties, individuals, and some organisations building forces for self-protection. The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019, Act 999, is clear on this matter,” he said.

The Minister stressed that only security forces authorised by the state had the mandate to provide protection, and charged police commanders to identify and deal with individuals and groups operating outside the law.

“These are illegal and should not be tolerated. There should be no forces for protection of any person or group except those authorised by the state. I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book,” he said.

Mr Muntaka also ordered an immediate halt to the recording and circulation of videos and other content showing recruits undergoing training at security service institutions.

He expressed concern about officers and trainers allowing unauthorised recordings from training schools to be shared on social media, warning that the practice could undermine the integrity and security of the institutions.

“I therefore direct all service commanders to ensure that appropriate controls are put in place to prevent the unauthorised recording, publication and circulation of images or videos of recruits in training,” he stated.