Security analyst and lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr. Victor Doke, has called on national security agencies to strictly adhere to legal procedures in their operations, especially in home raids.
In an interview, Dr. Doke emphasized that security operatives must follow due process, just as is practiced in advanced democracies—warning that unlawful raids only fuel political tensions and public mistrust.
“You don’t just storm private property without a warrant that clearly states the purpose of the search. That’s the level of accountability and transparency we should strive for,” he stressed.
His remarks follow a recent raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, by alleged national security operatives.
It marks the second high-profile incident, following a similar operation at the home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who has since sued some National Security operatives for trespassing.
Dr. Doke criticised the continued use of forceful, “Rambo-style” operations that often fail to yield results but raise public alarm.
He also raised concerns about reported misconduct, including the alleged theft of valuables such as cash and jewellery during such operations.
“Today it’s missing money; tomorrow it could be accusations of harm or worse. That’s a serious national concern,” he warned.
He further called for closer collaboration between national security and the police, stressing that no security institution should act in isolation.
“National security cannot operate independently of the police. Both agencies must coordinate investigations to prevent unnecessary tensions and political fallout such as what we’re seeing now with accusations of personal vendettas between past and current officials,” he said on Joy News.
Dr. Doke concluded by urging national security to reform its methods and operate strictly within the bounds of the law to safeguard public trust and uphold democratic governance.