VP Opoku-Agyemang pushes for stronger security-public trust amid ministry overhaul

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has stressed the need for improved public awareness and confidence in Ghana's security services, warning that government programmes cannot succeed without citizen understanding and buy-in.

During a working visit to the Ministry of the Interior as part of a broader tour of government institutions, the Vice President underscored that security personnel must operate with professionalism and integrity to earn and maintain public trust—a cornerstone of effective law enforcement and national stability.

Building confidence through education

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that the Interior Ministry and its affiliated agencies bear responsibility for maintaining peace, public safety and law enforcement, work she described as essential to national development. She urged the ministry to intensify public education efforts on government policies and regulations, particularly those relating to safety and order.

The Vice President linked security directly to economic growth, arguing that a stable environment is fundamental for development. She called on citizens to become active partners in maintaining peace by understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak acknowledged the visit and outlined several ongoing initiatives designed to modernise the sector and improve service delivery to the public.

Legislative reforms and digital advances

The Ministry is processing several key pieces of legislation, including the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, Ghana Prisons Service Bill, Community Service Bill 2025, Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2025, Birth Right Bill and Private Security Organisation Act. These reforms are intended to strengthen the legal framework governing security operations.

On infrastructure and operations, the Ministry has introduced 24-hour economy units within security agencies, upgraded financial management systems and begun safety improvement work at its headquarters, with construction underway on a new office complex.

A notable development is the launch of the Ministry's first electronic services platform, which has already issued 1,499 electronic visas. The digital initiative is designed to reduce processing times and improve the efficiency of service delivery to the public.

Why it matters for Ghana

Public trust in security services is critical for Ghana's stability and development. Rising concerns about crime, illegal mining, and border security in recent years have tested citizen confidence in police and enforcement agencies. The Vice President's emphasis on transparency and professional conduct reflects government recognition that security effectiveness depends not just on enforcement capacity, but on legitimacy in the eyes of the people.

The legislative reforms mentioned—particularly those covering intelligence agencies and prisons—suggest attempts to modernise and regulate sectors that have faced scrutiny. The digitalisation of visa services also signals broader government efforts to reduce corruption risks through automation.

For ordinary Ghanaians, better public education on security policies could improve compliance and cooperation with law enforcement. Equally, if security agencies meet the professional standards demanded, public confidence could strengthen, creating a positive cycle of cooperation essential for tackling persistent challenges like organised crime and maintaining order during elections and public events.