INCREASED CRIME RATE IN GHANA: A CALL FOR SECURITY REFORM

Ghana is one of the peaceful countries within sub-Saharan Africa. The serene atmosphere of the country and friendly disposition of Ghanaians offer visitors the necessary motivation to visit Ghana. For this reason, Ghana has earned global recognition and respect, and viewed as the gate-way to Africa.

However, against the backdrop of a steadily improving global recognition, is the emergence of a new trend of crimes which are slowly but surely gaining root in the country: serial killings, armed robbery, and cocaine trafficking. Behind these disasters are other minor incidents such as rape, child abuse, and prostitution. These social vices have created a negative impact on the good name of Ghana. With increasing rate of serial killings, armed robbery, and cocaine trafficking, the question international communities are now asking is: “What is wrong with Ghana these days?”

The answer to this question is undoubtedly of social and political dimensions. On the social front, there is inflation in the country and standard of living has risen. Many Ghanaians are unable to have a decent square meal and life has become generally distasteful for them. With high rate of inflation, even people who strive hard to engage in some form of businesses never escape the probability of failure; hence the mass unemployment in the country. Under such conditions, the temptation for people to engage in inelegant means of livelihood is high because the good old adage states that, “an idle hand is a devil’s tool.” Therefore the spate of armed robbery, cell phone snatching, and countless minor incidents are rooted to unemployment.

Politically, Ghana as a member of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is committed to uphold the protocol of free movement of citizens from member states. In adhering to the tenets of the ECOWAS Protocol, there has been an upsurge of unrestricted admission of other nationals to the country without adequate background checks. Consequently, we stand the risk of admitting into the country “wolves among sheep.” This is evidenced in the new trend of social vices and the bizarre nature of serial killings and armed robberies completely foreign to our culture. From all indications, our good intentions of upholding the protocol of free movement of people under the ECOWAS Treaty, and hence admission of other nationals into Ghana has been dwarfed by the increasing crime in the country. For now, the cost of dealing with these crimes and other minor incidents is tremendous and puts heavy pressure on us as a nation.

Nonetheless, the Government of Ghana owes Ghanaians a commitment to break through this impasse and restore confidence in our national security. Of particular concern are the increased serial killings and armed robberies; crimes that are uncharacteristic of Ghanaians and which takes away our pride as “friendly and humane people.”

In solving these seemingly mounting issues, the Government should sound a wake-up call to all security agencies in the country to close up whatever holes that have been opened as path for criminals to operate. It is the responsibility of the security agencies to provide defense for the country and safety of citizens. The inability of the security agencies to track down people involved in ongoing serial killings, armed robberies, and other crimes is a signal that our internal defense is vulnerable. Hence, we are now paying for the consequences of our negligence. For once, Ghanaians do not feel save in their own country. The general atmosphere is that of gloom and unhappiness. The fear and shadow of violent and reckless attack hangs over every one.

To restore hope and confidence in the citizenry, the government must do everything possible to adequately equip the Police service and other security agencies to enable them develop effective strategies to prevent crime. Of significant importance, government must pull resources to develop and enhance the communication network of security personnel in the country. Provision of reliable transportation for routine patrol assignments, and payment of enhanced remuneration to security operators are issues that cannot be over-emphasized. In addition, government should formulate laws to protect informants, and institute financial rewards for leaks that help break the activities of criminals. On the issue of employment, government must be committed to create jobs for the youth to make them productive citizens. This will help them benefit not only financially, but from having access to new experiences which will help reform those with evil minds.

Eliminating these emerging vices from our society looks tough, but we must not allow it to spoil the good name of Ghana. Protecting the citizens, security of the nation and improving the quality of human life are fundamental responsibilities of government. We have had enough of killings by criminals; it is now time for the government to act and restore hope and dignity in Ghanaians.