VP Opoku-Agyemang Urges Security Agencies to Earn Public Trust, Not Fear

Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Ghana’s security agencies to stop intimidating citizens and focus instead on building public confidence.

She said the effectiveness of security institutions depends largely on whether people trust them enough to cooperate.

Speaking during a visit to the Ministry of the Interior on Monday, July 13, the Vice President stressed the need for professionalism, transparency, and respect in dealing with the public.

“One of the biggest issues is public trust. Citizens must have faith in us,” she stated.

According to her, people should see security work as being in their own interest — protecting their safety and welfare — and not as a tool of harassment.

“They must believe in what we do so much that they are willing to work with us, because at the end of the day it’s about keeping them safe,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang cautioned officers against abusing their power. She urged them to explain their actions clearly whenever they enforce laws so citizens understand why.

“We must not exploit people or intimidate them needlessly. We should explain the reason behind our actions so that those who break the rules know they deserve to be dealt with accordingly,” she noted.

She also encouraged security personnel to be more visible and approachable in communities.

“We have to be friendly. We have to show ourselves to the people so they understand that we are here for their benefit,” the Vice President added.