Dr. Bawumia envisions a robust, well-resourced security sector in Ghana, designed to enhance national stability, protect digital and physical assets, and respond effectively to evolving threats. At the heart of his vision is a significant increase in personnel, with a planned recruitment of 20,000 additional security staff by 2028. This increase is intended to boost police visibility, fortify various branches of security services, and enhance the overall human resource strength needed to maintain peace and order across the nation. Dr. Bawumia’s strategy also includes expanding the operational vehicle fleet for security agencies, allowing for more rapid responses to crime and emergency situations, as well as a stronger security presence in communities.
His vision emphasizes a strategic investment in modern technology to combat crime and improve public safety. With plans to deploy anti-crime camera systems in neighborhoods, Dr. Bawumia seeks to leverage surveillance technology to deter criminal activities and improve investigative efficiency. Complementing this is a commitment to strengthen forensic capabilities within security agencies, ensuring crimes are resolved through advanced investigative methods. Additionally, he aims to regulate private security firms, ensuring that all players in the security ecosystem are monitored and adhere to national standards, further contributing to overall public safety.
Cybersecurity is another critical component of Dr. Bawumia’s approach, as he recognizes the growing need to protect digital assets in an increasingly online world. His vision includes bolstering cybersecurity measures, especially within essential sectors like energy, where mandatory cybersecurity training for employees will be required to counter digital threats. To fund these efforts, Dr. Bawumia proposes establishing Security and Cybersecurity Funds, which will enhance Ghana’s preparedness against emerging cyber threats and reinforce national resilience in the face of complex technological challenges.
In addition to strengthening local security, Dr. Bawumia envisions a proactive approach to regional and international collaboration. By working closely with organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, he aims to address regional security threats, including terrorism, which increasingly affects stability across the West African region. His commitment to collaborative efforts reflects a comprehensive approach to national security that recognizes the interconnected nature of regional safety and the need for collective solutions to transnational challenges.
Dr. Bawumia’s vision also prioritizes legal reforms that support a fair and just security system. He envisions enhancing the Legal Aid Commission, equipping it to hire 600 public defenders who will provide essential legal services to those unable to afford them, ensuring a more equitable justice system. Proposed reforms also include the passage of important legislative bills such as the National Arms Commission Bill, Prisons Service Bill, Parole System Bill, and Alternative Sentencing Bill, which collectively aim to modernize and humanize Ghana’s criminal justice system. Furthermore, he has committed to investing in housing projects for the military and modernizing the Ghana Air Force and Navy, ensuring that security personnel have the necessary resources and living conditions to carry out their duties effectively.
Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the security sector encompasses a holistic approach to national and digital safety, legal reform, and regional collaboration. By combining increased personnel, modernized technology, strengthened cybersecurity, and comprehensive legal frameworks, he seeks to establish a security landscape that is resilient, adaptable, and equipped to face contemporary challenges, contributing to the stability and prosperity of Ghana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What specific steps will be taken to strengthen police mobility and enhance crime prevention?
Answer: To strengthen police mobility, the Dr. Bawumia government plans to expand the fleet of operational vehicles for Security and Intelligence Agencies (SIAs), enabling rapid response to security threats. In addition, anti-crime camera systems will be deployed in neighbourhoods to enhance crime monitoring and prevention efforts. These investments will improve the police force’s capacity to patrol effectively and respond quickly to incidents, ensuring a safer environment for all Ghanaians.
Question 2: How does the policy address the regulation of private security firms in Ghana?
Answer: The regulation and monitoring of private security firms are key to ensuring that they operate within the law and meet high professional standards. The policy will introduce enhanced oversight mechanisms to monitor these firms closely, ensuring they contribute positively to national security and do not become a source of unchecked risks. This regulation will help align private security services with national security objectives.
Question 3: What measures will be put in place to address illegal mining and improve maritime security?
Answer: The policy involves close collaboration with the Ministry of National Security to curtail illegal mining, particularly along rail corridors, and to improve security within Ghana’s maritime free zones. This approach will involve deploying security personnel and adopting new technologies to monitor and enforce regulations, ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources and maritime territories are protected from illegal activities.
Question 4: How will the Legal Aid Commission be resourced to ensure access to justice for all?
Answer: The policy includes plans to recruit 600 additional public defenders for the Legal Aid Commission to provide free legal services to indigent Ghanaians. This will help ensure that low-income individuals have access to justice, reducing legal inequality and promoting fairness in the legal system. The investment in public defenders is part of a broader commitment to strengthening the rule of law and making justice accessible to all.
Question 5: How will the establishment of the Security and Cybersecurity Funds enhance resilience against emerging threats?
Answer: The creation of the Security and Cybersecurity Funds will provide dedicated resources for addressing both physical and digital threats. These funds will be used to continuously upgrade security infrastructure, train personnel, and invest in advanced technologies to combat modern security challenges, such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and organized crime. This proactive investment will ensure that Ghana’s security apparatus remains agile and capable of responding to new and evolving threats.
Question 6: What investments will be made in military infrastructure to support the Ghana Armed Forces?
Answer: Investments will be made in expanding military housing projects to ensure better living conditions for military personnel. Additionally, further modernization of the Ghana Air Force and Navy will enhance their operational capacity. This includes upgrading equipment and enhancing infrastructure to ensure that the military is well-prepared to address emerging national and regional security threats.
