The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has directed the police in the Greater Accra Region to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to crime in response to violent incidents linked to the Homowo festival and ongoing chieftaincy disputes.
Meeting with Regional and District Police Commanders and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at the Ministry of the Interior, he emphasised that law enforcement must treat crime as it ought to without hesitation.
“Crime must be treated as crime,” the Minister stated, urging the police to remain firm and resolute in preventing disturbances that disrupt peace in the region. “The right things must be done, and all related matters must face prosecution to uphold justice,” Muntaka added, making clear that tolerance for violent disturbances would not be entertained.
The Minister underlined the importance of collaboration between the police and traditional leaders in sustaining peace. He urged the Ghana Police Service to continue working closely with the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs to resolve disputes that fuel unrest.
Highlighting the critical role of traditional leaders in fostering stability, Hon. Muntaka called on both institutions to strengthen their partnership in addressing the root causes of violence surrounding Homowo celebrations and chieftaincy conflicts.
The Registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Mr. Enoch Addo, welcomed the Minister’s proactive engagement, describing it as an important step toward lasting peace in the region.
Mr. Addo assured the Minister that the House of Chiefs would “work hand in hand with the Ghana Police Service to promote peace and support efforts to address chieftaincy and Homowo-related issues.”
Meeting Acting Chief Justice
Beyond the regional security issues, the Interior Minister also engaged the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, in Accra on national concerns including illegal mining, narcotics crimes, and judicial reforms.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior and the Judiciary in confronting these pressing challenges.
Hon. Muntaka warned of the devastating impact of illegal mining and narcotics on communities, livelihoods, and the environment. He proposed the establishment of “dedicated courts to fast-track” the prosecution of environmental degradation and drug-related cases.
He explained that the creation of such courts would not only expedite justice but also send a strong signal of government’s resolve under President John Dramani Mahama to protect the country’s natural resources and public health.
“We need to sit down, assess the gaps, and make this programme work better for everyone,” he said when addressing the Justice for All Programme, which was another key item on the agenda. He called for a comprehensive review of the programme to ensure greater effectiveness in delivering equitable access to justice.
Judiciary Pledges Reforms
In response, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude for the Minister’s resolve and reassured him of the judiciary’s commitment to tackling the concerns raised.
He confirmed that plans to establish dedicated courts for galamsey, environmental degradation, and narcotics-related cases were under serious consideration and would soon be implemented.
Baffoe-Bonnie also encouraged the Minister to prioritise the passage of the Community Service Bill, describing it as a key reform that would introduce community service as an alternative sentencing option.
He explained that the proposed law would not only help “reduce overcrowding in Ghana’s prisons” but also provide offenders with an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The Interior Minister’s engagements reflect a renewed push to strengthen law enforcement and judicial processes in addressing violent crimes, environmental offenses, and narcotics abuse.
By urging both the police and judiciary to adopt tougher, faster, and more collaborative approaches, the government signals its determination to uphold peace and justice while pushing for long-term reforms in Ghana’s justice system.
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