Commenting on the recent attacks on security personnel, Security Consultant, Prof. Kwesi Aning has indicated that the security situation in Ghana is likely to deteriorate further before showing any signs of improvement, painting a grim outlook for the country’s near future.
He highlighted that the country has not given sufficient attention to the problem of small arms, emphasizing that the unchecked spread of these weapons among unauthorized individuals undermines Ghana’s security and demands a more robust response.
“But this goes beyond small arms. It goes to state efficacy and the willingness of the state and those who control it to take the policy steps and measures to identify particular challenges that pose an existential threat to the state and do something about it.”
Prof. Kwesi Aning
Furthermore, he observed that in a well-functioning society when lawless individuals challenge the authority of the state, the military typically intervenes to restore order and protect the nation.
However, he emphasized that a country is sliding into an unsafe abyss when its uniformed security personnel are boldly murdered by civilians in public, indicating a complete breakdown of law and order and a permissive environment for violence to flourish.
Prof. Aning further emphasized that when uniformed personnel, who are sworn to protect citizens, become targets of violence, it undermines the very fabric of public safety.
As such, he warned that if those entrusted with safeguarding the public are being killed, it’s a stark reminder that the security of ordinary citizens can no longer be taken for granted.
Moreover, he cautioned that the affected security agencies‘ response to these attacks will inevitably lead to a heavy-handed crackdown, putting innocent civilians in the crosshairs and at risk of collateral damage.
He asserted that, except for the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana has struggled with effective stockpile management for over a decade, and warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate further unless decisive action is taken.
He emphasized that the country’s inability to properly manage its stockpiles has severe implications for national security and public safety and that the problem will only intensify if left unaddressed.
“It is going to get much worse because vigilantes seem to have a certain legitimacy in our society”. – Prof. Kwesi Aning
Vigilantism On The Rise
He further stated that the continuous operation of vigilante groups in the country despite the passage of legislation against it indicates that either the state’s capacity to implement its laws is non-existent or the state officials responsible for implementing such laws are either involved in or benefit from vigilantism.
He revealed that a comprehensive study he conducted has exposed a disturbing trend that suggests that vigilantism is not only still prevalent in Ghana but also on the rise.
Moreover, the demand for the services of vigilante groups has surged, and he stressed that the blurred lines between vigilantes and landguards in Ghana are significantly contributing to the escalating violence nationwide.
Also, Dr. Jones Opoku Ware, a renowned Criminologist, observed that the police serve a dual role as both warriors and guardians, combating criminal activity and safeguarding the public and their property.
As such, he posited that the brutal murder of the two police officers can be seen as a bold warning from the perpetrators to the wider society, showcasing their capacity for violence and intimidation if crossed.
This heinous act, he stated, is a chilling message meant to instill fear and undermine trust in the law enforcement agency’s ability to protect citizens.
“If these people themselves [the police] cannot guard their lives, it becomes a problem. It is a signal that is being sent to the people that, look, we have a weak state and weak law enforcement agencies for which we are in charge”.
Dr. Jones Opoku Ware
He pressed the government to initiate swift and thorough investigations into these incidents without delay, to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and brought to justice.
This, he emphasized, is crucial for restoring public trust in the security agencies and guaranteeing the safety and security of the state.
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