Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
Ghana’s Interior Minister, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, is calling for a strategic shift in the country’s approach to combating armed robbery and organized crime, stressing the need for sustainable, intelligence-driven security reforms.
Rather than relying solely on traditional methods such as patrols and road checkpoints, the Minister is urging a transition toward modern, proactive crime prevention models, citing global best practices as potential templates for Ghana’s future security architecture.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Alhaji Muntaka described the recent surge in armed attacks—ranging from highway robberies in the north to bold urban heists in southern cities—as a national threat that demands more than surface-level responses.
“Security is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, safety, and opportunity,” he stated. “Our response must evolve beyond reaction. It’s time to modernize our security institutions.”
The Minister outlined several key reforms under consideration:
Predictive Policing through Data and Intelligence: The establishment of data fusion centres to analyze crime trends and forecast potential hotspots using socio-economic and geographic data.
Community Policing Revival: A renewed effort to deepen police-community relations, build trust, and encourage citizen-led intelligence sharing.
Targeted Special Operations: Deployment of specialized tactical units to dismantle organized crime networks and recover illicit weapons.
Smart Surveillance Technology: Integration of CCTV systems, drone technology, and AI-powered monitoring in crime-prone areas to enhance real-time surveillance and evidence collection.
Enhanced Rapid Response: Equipping regional security units with helicopters, motorbikes, and armoured vehicles to ensure swift deployment during emergencies.
Improving Police Welfare: Measures to boost officer morale and performance, including better housing, healthcare access, and logistics support.
Alhaji Muntaka emphasized that these reforms are essential not only for public safety but also for safeguarding investor confidence and economic stability.
“This is a turning point for our security strategy. The status quo is no longer adequate,” he noted. “We must act boldly, systematically, and innovatively to reclaim safe communities for all.”
The Interior Ministry is expected to consult with stakeholders and begin phased implementation of these reforms in the coming months.
