Muntaka,Interior Minister-Designate Pushes for Mandatory Body Cameras to Curb Police Misconduct
The Interior Minister-Designate, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has proposed the mandatory use of body cameras by police officers in Ghana as a critical step to tackle police misconduct, including extortion and brutality.
Addressing Public Outcry Over Police Misconduct
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, January 24, the Asawase MP stressed that this initiative is necessary to rebuild public trust in the Ghana Police Service. He acknowledged the growing public outcry over incidents of police brutality and extortion, which have significantly damaged the reputation of law enforcement in the country.
The Case for Body Cameras
Muntaka outlined a policy vision where all police officers would be required to wear and activate body cameras during their official duties. He explained that these devices would serve as impartial tools to document police interactions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“We will ensure that every police officer steps out with a body camera on, eliminating ambiguity in their actions. If an officer is extorting money or engaging in brutality, the footage will provide undeniable evidence of their conduct,” he asserted.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability
Muntaka emphasized that body cameras would not only deter misconduct but also provide clarity in cases where police actions are questioned. This measure, he argued, would be a game-changer in addressing longstanding issues of trust between the public and the police.
Restoring Public Confidence
The proposal comes at a time when confidence in law enforcement has been waning due to recurring reports of abuse of power. By implementing this policy, Muntaka aims to restore faith in the Ghana Police Service and ensure justice for victims of misconduct.