Home raids: Ghana’s democracy ‘too precious to be bullied by guns’ – Boakye-Danquah to Mahama
He called on President Mahama to issue immediate directives to state security agencies, urging them to operate with restraint and within the limits of the law
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has issued a strongly worded statement expressing grave concern over what he describes as the increasing use of armed patrols in civilian communities across Ghana.
In a press release on Friday (23 May) Boakye-Danquah warned that such developments threaten the country’s peace, security, and democratic values, and urged President John Dramani Mahama to act swiftly to restore public trust and order.
“The presence of armed personnel, purportedly from state agencies, patrolling private homes without clear justification breeds fear and mistrust,” he said.
“Such actions, if unchecked, risk creating an environment where anyone could don a branded jacket, wield a firearm, and infringe upon the sanctity of private homes.”
Accountability
Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s remarks come after armed officers stormed the homes of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako and a former parliamentary aspirant for Adenta earlier today.
He emphasized that governance is not a “singular act” but a “value chain” requiring transparency, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights.
He called on President Mahama to issue immediate directives to state security agencies, urging them to operate with restraint and within the limits of the law.
Safeguard democracy
While acknowledging recent progress in governance, the former spokesperson cautioned that it must not come at the cost of civil liberties.
“Neglecting critical aspects such as citizen safety, freedom of expression, and the responsible use of state power undermines the broader governance agenda,” he said.
“Ghana’s strength lies in its democratic resilience and the trust between its people and their leaders. Let us safeguard this legacy,” he added.
Read Boakye-Danquah’s full statement here
Statement by Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
As a former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, I am compelled to express deep concern over recent developments in Ghana that threaten the peace, security, and democratic values we hold dear. Governance is not a singular act but an intricate value chain that demands accountability, transparency, and respect for the rights of every citizen. It is disheartening to observe actions that appear to undermine these principles, particularly the reported use of armed patrols in civilian neighborhoods, which raises serious questions about safety and the rule of law.
I call on His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent notice of these happenings and to ensure that state agencies operate within the bounds of their mandate, prioritizing the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The presence of armed personnel, purportedly from state agencies, patrolling private homes without clear justification breeds fear and mistrust. Such actions, if unchecked, risk creating an environment where anyone could don a branded jacket, wield a firearm, and infringe upon the sanctity of private homes. This is not the Ghana we aspire to build.
Mr. President, leadership in governance requires a holistic commitment to the welfare of all Ghanaians. While progress in certain areas is commendable, neglecting critical aspects such as citizen safety, freedom of expression, and the responsible use of state power undermines the broader governance agenda. I urge you to institute immediate measures to address these concerns, including clear directives to security agencies to operate with restraint, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Ghana’s strength lies in its democratic resilience and the trust between its people and their leaders. Let us safeguard this legacy by fostering an environment where every citizen feels secure and valued. I implore all stakeholders—government, security agencies, and civil society—to act with the utmost responsibility and patriotism, keeping Ghana and her citizens at heart.
Good night, and may we continue to strive for a peaceful and prosperous Ghana.
Signed,
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security
Date: May 23, 2025
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