The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has charged the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to clamp down on vigilantism and prevent the emergence of unauthorised self-defence groups across the country.

He said the growing practice of individuals, political parties, chiefs and other organisations forming groups for self-protection posed a serious threat to national peace and security.

Mr Muntaka made the call at the opening of a regional commanders’ conference at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

He urged the Police Service to remain vigilant and take firm action against activities that could undermine public order and national security.

“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.

“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.

The Interior Minister also directed an immediate halt to the recording and sharing of videos and other content featuring recruits undergoing training at various security service institutions.

He cautioned officers and trainers against allowing unauthorised recordings and publications, stressing the need to protect the integrity of security agencies and their training programmes.

“I am equally concerned about the growing number of officers and trainers in our training schools, allowing videos and other content of recruits undergoing training to be recorded and shared on social media. This practice must stop.

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.