- "We should try as much as possible, the entry requirement for operatives of national security must be stringent, very stringent. Right now I would hope that government will go in and say let us see all the operatives we have, let them reapply and make sure we have the right people."
Kwame Jantuah, a private legal practitioner is calling for a total overhaul of the National Security system following the recent raid at Accra-based Citi FM.
Speaking on Asaase Radio’s news analysis and current affairs programme The Forum on Saturday 15 May 2021, Jantuah called on government to act swiftly to streamline the activities of the National Security.
“We cannot absolve government in this particular issue, government has a huge responsibility to streamline national security,” he said.
Jantuah added: “We should try as much as possible, the entry requirement for operatives of national security must be stringent, very stringent. Right now I would hope that government will go in and say let us see all the operatives we have, let them reapply and make sure we have the right people.”
Jantuah believes a proper reform at the national security will enhance the image of the entity.
“Look, when you go to London, the police man on the street has no gun on him but when you see the man you are scared to commit an offence, that is what we are looking for, we are not looking for brutish attitudes.”
Call for new law
Joseph Kpemka, a former deputy attorney general who also spoke on the show called for the enactment of a law to properly sanction people who film at prohibited area.
“The conduct of the journalist, however, reprehensible, we have seen for now that it does not constitute an offence, ie the recording… and so as a people if we want to criminalise it, we have to take steps as a nation either through a private member bill or through the appropriate legislation bill… so that people who engage in such act can be criminalised,” he said.
Background
On Tuesday (11 May), national security operatives detained Caled Kudah, a reporter with Citi FM, for allegedly filming on the premises of the National Security Ministry. He was released after questioning.
In a TV interview, Kudah alleged that he was manhandled before being questioned at the ministry.
“They took me to a police post, where I met DSP Azugu. But this time the gentleman had told everybody that I had come there and breached the protocols trying to cause problems.
Reverse slaps
“All the police officers there became agitated and aggressive towards me. So they took me to a smaller office and I showed them my ID and I told them that, ‘I am from Citi. I agree I shouldn’t have taken them: let’s delete it and please let me go.’ But they wouldn’t.
“He said, ‘Take his statement.’ He pushed me, I sat on the chair. They slapped me from the back. These are police officers, men in uniform. Some were bearded and had guns,” he recounted.
The National Security Ministry issued a statement saying it will investigate Kudah’s claims.
“The Ministry of National Security wishes to assure the public that appropriate actions shall be taken if the allegations are found to be true,” the statement said.
Fred Dzakpata
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
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