By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Legal Team, has urged the Ghana Police Service to strictly uphold the principles of natural justice in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on GBC’s ‘Current Agenda’ on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Mr. Afoakwah stressed that while the police have the legal power to arrest, such authority must operate within the bounds of checks and balances.
He said suspects must always be informed of the offenses they are accused of, adding that individuals also have the right to remain silent. Statements taken from suspects, he said, must be properly documented and tendered in court as evidence, but only through due process.
“The police have the power of arrest, but it is not without limits. You must inform the person of the offense. They have the right to remain silent. We must advocate strongly so that security agencies do not abuse their mandate,” Mr. Afoakwah said.
He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of force by some security agencies, noting that such practices undermine the trust of citizens. He further cautioned institutional heads to take responsibility for the misconduct of their personnel.
Mr. Afoakwah argued that taxpayers’ money must not be used to perpetuate injustice, insisting that if citizens are subjected to unfair treatment, the nation must rise to demand accountability.
“Anyone who enlists in the security services must conform to the law. If leadership allows officers to abuse innocent citizens, then the institution itself must be held accountable,” he added.
Mr. Afoakwah’s comments add to ongoing public discussions about police reform, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in Ghana.
