National Security Coordinator COP Osman Abdul-Razak has warned that private security companies and informal community security groups risk losing their licenses and facing prosecution for operating as militias during election periods.
He made the warning at a national policy dialogue on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), organized by Election Watch Ghana at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
Private Security Companies Must Operate Within the Law
COP Abdul-Razak acknowledged the legitimate role of private security companies in maintaining community safety, but stressed that their activities must remain within the limits of the law. He said community participation must strengthen lawful state authority, not substitute for it. Private security companies operate under specific licenses and regulations, and any breach of these operational boundaries could lead to the revocation of their licenses and prosecution under Act 999.
The National Security Coordinator warned that individuals involved in prohibited activities could face prosecution, and that private security companies operating outside the terms of their licenses could have their authorisation revoked. He cautioned that the Police-led National Election Security Task Force was responsible for protecting ballot boxes, candidates, electoral officers, and the general public during elections.
Disguising Vigilante Groups as Private Protection Units
COP Abdul-Razak's warning comes amid concerns that political parties could disguise illegal vigilante groups as private protection units, protocol teams, or licensed security details ahead of major political events. He urged all political actors, private security providers, and community groups to respect the law and avoid activities that could undermine Ghana's electoral security and democratic processes. The National Security Coordinator stressed that the responsibility for providing security during elections rests with state security agencies operating under the established legal framework.
Consequences of Unauthorised Security Powers
Individuals who attempt to exercise unauthorised security powers, particularly by wearing military-style uniforms, carrying weapons, or asserting illegal authority, could face arrest and prosecution under Act 999. The National Security Coordinator urged all stakeholders to respect the law and avoid activities that could compromise Ghana's electoral security and democratic processes. He said that the full rigour of Act 999 would be applied to those who breach the law.
The National Security Coordinator's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the law and upholding democratic processes in Ghana. It remains to be seen whether the warning will be heeded, but one thing is certain: the consequences of breaching the law will be severe. As Ghana approaches major political events, the National Security Coordinator's warning serves as a timely reminder of the need to prioritise electoral security and respect the law.
Source: Joy Online
