In a worrisome departure from democratic principles, the reliance on force by Ghana’s security forces, including the immigration service, has escalated into a pervasive threat to citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The use of force by security forces leads to human rights violations, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
As such, the excessive use of force results in physical harm, injury, and even death, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
Furthermore, the use of force erodes trust between citizens and security forces, essential for maintaining law and order.
Consequently, when security forces resort to heavy-handed tactics, citizens become fearful and less likely to cooperate or report crimes.
Accordingly, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin, has directed an investigation into a disturbing video footage depicting immigration officers physically assaulting a woman at the Aflao border crossing in the Ketu South Municipality.
The Member of Parliament for the constituency, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, drew attention to the incident in parliament, voicing concerns about the adequacy of the immigration service’s training programs and the prevailing culture at the Aflao border facility, which she believed contributed to the unfortunate incident.
The footage seemingly depicts immigration officers, armed with firearms, engaging in a violent physical altercation with a defenceless woman, who appears to be unarmed and vulnerable.
As such, the Speaker emphatically condemned the use of force by public officials, deeming it utterly unacceptable, especially when directed towards women, and called for a probe into the incident to ensure accountability and justice.
“I further direct that the Minister for Interior should report back to this house as to what action has been taken in this direction. I need to emphasise that public servants are servants of the people. We volunteered to serve Ghanaians.
“Public servants are different from the armed forces. The armed forces by the name are armed and they are armed and trained to use force and that is usually the last resort”.
Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin
Violence, A Threat To Ghana’s Democracy
Moreover, the use of force undermines democracy and perpetuates a culture of violence.
Democracy requires the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the respect of citizens’ dignity, thus, the excessive use of force by security forces contradicts these principles.
The use of force by security forces in Ghana also has negative repercussions for the country’s international reputation and democracy.
The international community views excessive force as a violation of human rights and a sign of weak democratic institutions.
Accordingly, the Speaker of Parliament sounded a warning against the growing trend of security forces resorting to unjustified violence against civilians, emphasising that such actions severely damage Ghana’s reputation as a democratic nation and undermine its democratic credentials.
He cautioned that these personnel must exercise utmost restraint and diligence in their duties, particularly in this election year, when tensions are running high and the nation is on high alert, to avoid any actions that could exacerbate the situation.
Alban Bagbin emphasised that citizens have the right to feel safe and protected, rather than intimidated or traumatised, by the very forces sworn to serve and protect them, and that this principle must be upheld at all times.
“Public servants are people who have volunteered to serve the public and that service we must render. We are not by law and by concept to use force.
“What is really making it worse is on the side our ladies, are completely uncivilised to use force against a lady. It’s not at all allowed and so I’ll allow the investigations to go on and let’s see what happens.”
Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin
The use of force by security forces in Ghana must be addressed to ensure democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld.
Security forces must prioritise de-escalation techniques, respect citizens’ rights, and adhere to international standards for the use of force.
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