Apply minimum force to defend yourselves – Muntaka to Security Agencies 

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has issued a directive empowering Ghana’s security agencies to use the necessary minimum force in self-defense when confronted by violent civilian attacks.

Announcing the decision in Accra, the Minister said the move followed consultations with the National Security Council in response to growing incidents of assaults on police and other law enforcement personnel across the country.

“The National Security Council directs that, with immediate effect, all security agencies shall apply the necessary minimum force to defend themselves and to enforce the law when confronted with any form of violent attack from individuals or sections of the population,” the Minister stated.

In a statement published on October 8, 2025, through the Ministry’s website, the National Security Council expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of attacks on uniformed officers and their offices.

“The National Security Council has observed with grave concern the increasing incidents of attacks on security personnel and their offices by sections of the civilian population during the lawful operations by the security services across the country. The Council strongly condemns these acts of aggression, which undermines the rule of law, the authority of the State, and the safety of the very officers mandated to protect the citizenry.

“While the Council insist that security personnel who act unprofessionally or abuse their authority against any member of the public are subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, it must be clearly emphasized that no individual or group has the right to attack or obstruct public officers in the lawful discharge of their duties whether verbally, physically, or through the use of weapons.

“The Council strongly condemns these acts of aggression, which undermines the rule of law, the authority of the State, and the safety of the very officers mandated to protect the citizenry,” it said.

The Council also reminded the public that although any officer found to have acted unprofessionally would face appropriate disciplinary measures, “it must be clearly emphasized that no individual or group has the right to attack or obstruct public officers in the lawful discharge of their duties whether verbally, physically, or through the use of weapons.”

Reaffirming its stance, the Council pledged to continue safeguarding national peace, stability, and public order while ensuring that all operations remain guided by Ghana’s democratic values and constitutional provisions.