Political interference interrupting work of security agencies – Police Commander

Politicians have been urged to give the security agencies the freedom to perform their statutory roles devoid of political interference.

The Upper East Regional Police Commander, assistant Commissioner of Police Bright Oduro, made the appeal during the 11th National Constitutional Week organised by the Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Bolgatanga.

He said that political interference constituted a major stumbling block to the dispensation of democracy in Ghana and stated that almost on a daily basis, security agencies in the administration of justice receive calls interfering in their work.

“One of the biggest challenges confronting the Police and the investigative apparatus of the service is undue interference from all manner of persons especially from politicians who may want to dictate the affairs of an investigation to suit their own interests”, he said.

Mr Oduro cautioned security agencies to a exhibit high sense of professionalism in the execution of their duties and added that, “as Security agencies we must respect and protect the citizens’ right to life.”

Mr Peter Mensah, the Upper East Regional Director of NCCE, said the purpose of the Constitutional week was to draw the attention of the public to the significance of the constitution.

He said Ghana had chalked a lot of successes since the adoption of the constitution and this had made it gain recognition at the international level but there was still more to be done.

The security agencies who attended the constitutional week forum were drawn from the Police, Custom Excise and Preventive Services, Immigration Service and Fire Service.

Source: GNA