Security analyst, Professor Kwesi Aning, has cautioned against any form of behaviour that undermines the state’s security operations, stressing that “obstructionist behaviour” must not be tolerated in a constitutional democracy.
Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews, Prof Aning addressed recent public criticism of security operations, especially in light of the ongoing arrest and investigation of political figures. He said it is vital for citizens to trust the security institutions, even as discussions around the method and conduct of such operations continue.
“When it comes to security, the state has the primary responsibility to ensure that its citizenry are safe,” he noted.
Prof Aning explained that while it is natural for people to have fears about the actions of security forces, expressing those fears in ways that incite resistance or rebellion against the state cannot be accepted.
“When you feel or you are afraid but in expressing your fear you also incite people either to resist, to attack or to undermine the state, that is not tolerable,” he said.
Referencing a recent audio by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, Prof Aning described the language used as “inciteful”.
“Because in the audio from Chairman Wontumi and the type of words he used in appealing to the people of Ghana, that was inciteful. We need to be able to understand how the law works, what the security law is, what your rights are, what we can expect of the operatives, how the operatives must behave but obstructionist behaviour is unacceptable,” he stated.
He further noted that when operatives have the legal authority to conduct operations, their work must be respected, even if the manner in which they operate is open to scrutiny.
“Particularly when they have a legal document that says they should come and undertake an operation… we may discuss how that operation is undertaken, whether properties are destroyed or whether they are rough in terms of undertaking searches but that can be discussed,” Prof Aning explained.
He also criticised Parliament for what he called its silence on national security matters.
“Parliament’s silence is also unacceptable because the essence of these intelligence operations is to send a signal to the population that we are working, we are ready to protect you.
He urged the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior which includes members from both the NPP and NDC to take up their role more actively.
“Both the NPP and the NDC are all sitting on the parliamentary committee on defense and Interior. And these are mattes that are under the prevue of the parliamentary committee for defense and interior. So in the committee level, I can be raised.
“So parliament can begin to say look, how do we want these operations to undertaken, can we look at the standard operating procedures about what time you need to go in, how the engagement must be done and all that,” he said.
On handling concerns over excessive use of force, he advised citizens to follow the law.
“If Parliament or an individual thinks their right has been infringed, you can go to your parliamentarian or go to court. There are legal processes for assuaging the hurt and uncertainty that comes from these operations,” he stressed.
Prof Aning concluded with a reminder of the state’s comprehensive role in national security.
“Obstructionist behaviour, a sense that I am above the law, cannot be accepted. The state is always above the individual interest, and the state’s attempt to protect all of us must always reign supreme.”
He added that while the operational approach can be discussed, “inciteful obstructionist behaviour is an absolute no.”
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