The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has alleged widespread political victimization and unfair treatment within Ghana’s security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and the Ghana National Fire Service during the previous government.
According to FDAG, its investigations reveal a disturbing pattern of officers who were targeted due to perceived political affiliations rather than competence and experience.
The group warns in a statement signed by Nana Kojo Abbam, Senior Research Fellow that this systemic issue is weakening morale, compromising institutional integrity, and threatening national security.
“In the coming days, we will release a comprehensive report detailing how political interference is crippling Ghana’s security institutions,” said Nana Kojo Abbam, Senior Research Fellow at FDAG.
However, the group has already pointed out a specific case in the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS)—that of ACI Lawyer Edward Kofi Owusu, who FDAG says has suffered severe career stagnation due to political victimization.
FDAG describes ACI Lawyer Edward Kofi Owusu as a highly experienced officer who served as a Chief Staff Officer (CSO) and Regional Commander for 12 years in the Upper West, Eastern, and Northern Regions.
However, despite his vast experience and qualifications—including a Master’s degree in Peace, Security, and Intelligence Management (UPSA)—he has been denied promotion for over eight years, while his juniors have risen through the ranks.
“In July 2022, he was abruptly demoted from a Regional Commander to a District/Sector Commander in Twifo Praso without justification,” the group stated.
FDAG further alleged that he was initially posted to Sefwi Praso, a non-existent location, in what appeared to be a deliberate move to frustrate him. After this was exposed on TV3’s Johnnie’s Bite, he was reassigned to Twifo Praso, where he was the only officer stationed for 18 months without an office or logistics.
“Even when he was pursuing his law studies in Accra, he was suddenly transferred to Tamale, making it impossible for him to complete his education on time. This forced him to defer his studies, causing a major setback,” the report highlighted.
FDAG also noted that while serving as Northern Regional Commander, he was denied a command vehicle for three years, while junior officers under him were provided pickups.
The group claims that ACI Edward Kofi Owusu’s case is not an isolated incident. In July 2022, five former Regional Commanders were demoted and forced to work under their juniors. The affected officers included:ACI Smart Osei Bonsu
ACI Kwasi Opoku Apau, ACI Kojo Opong Yeboah (former Director of HR at the GIS Headquarters),ACI Samuel Amadu Basintale ,ACI Peter Yao Nkrumah
FDAG claims these officers were deliberately denied promotions while others were fast-tracked based on political affiliations.
“It is shocking that while these experienced officers have been sidelined, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, promoted his political allies multiple times in a short period,” FDAG alleged.
One example, according to the group, is ACI Kwesi Amoateng Ennin, who was promoted three times in five years.
The report also alleges that DCOI Peter Yao Nkrumah (former North East Regional Commander) and DCOI Samuel Amadu Basintale (former Bono Regional Commander) have been transferred to the GIS Headquarters without office space or work schedules since November 2024.
“While these injustices were ongoing, the Head of HR at GIS, DCOI Michael Asare Bediako, who was once a junior to these officers, was the one determining who should be promoted,” the report claimed.
FDAG argues that the issue extends beyond immigration to other security agencies, citing the case of DCOP Osman Razak, the current Security Coordinator at the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
“Just like ACI Edward Owusu, DCOP Osman Razak was victimized and sidelined in the Ghana Police Service under former President Akufo-Addo. His career was almost derailed until President John Mahama rectified the injustice,” FDAG noted.
Call for Reform
FDAG has called on the government to take immediate steps to eliminate political interference in Ghana’s security services.
“This situation demoralizes hardworking officers and weakens the effectiveness of our security institutions,” Nana Kojo Abbam stated. “Security services should be built on professionalism, competence, and fairness—not political patronage.”
The group has vowed to continue exposing these injustices and advocating for reforms to protect the integrity of Ghana’s security agencies.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
