Security analyst Andrews Asiedu Tetteh is urging the government to implement mandatory random drug testing for security personnel across the country, with a particular focus on police and military officers.
He asserts that a significant number of officers are abusing illicit substances and engaging in unlawful activities. Mr Tetteh warns that these individuals must be held accountable immediately to prevent the potential collapse of the national security architecture.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Tetteh claimed with authority that nearly 90% of personnel on patrol duties stop at “ghettos” to smoke alongside drug addicts.
He described this as a long-standing issue that the authorities occasionally attempt to mask by publicly punishing a single high-profile case while the systemic problem persists.
He advocated for immediate random testing and stringent punishment for perpetrators to eradicate such behaviour within the security sector.
His comments follow recent high-profile scandals, including the interdiction of an officer for the alleged defilement of his daughter and the remand of another officer involved in the robbery of a mobile money agent.
The Ghana Police Service recently interdicted Inspector Bright Appiah Dankwah, stationed at the Asuoyeboah Police Station in the Ashanti Region, for his alleged involvement in a robbery targeting a mobile money vendor in Kumasi.
He was arrested by the Ashanti Regional Anti-Robbery Unit following an intelligence-led operation.
Furthermore, Inspector Desmond Owusu Afriyie of the Mamponteng District has been interdicted following allegations of defilement and incest involving his 14-year-old daughter.
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command ordered his immediate suspension to facilitate a thorough investigation into his conduct, in accordance with police regulations.
Commenting on these developments, Mr Tetteh stated that these cases, alongside many past incidents, necessitate an intensified internal review within security agencies.
He argued that this is essential to ensure that all those who have “defiled the uniform” are removed and prosecuted. During his appearance on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he emphasised that the nation requires men and women of high integrity to serve.
“Our security officers are the ones that should uphold the highest form of integrity. They are the ones to prevent crime, but in recent times, they are the ones who are leading crimes. They are the ones robbing people and engaging in all forms of crime including bribery and corruption.”
He further stressed the need for transparency within the services, noting that “bad nuts” within the ranks are consistently breaching the law.
“The IGP and all the other heads of our security services must take advantage of this situation and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of service officers and ensure we don’t have criminals parading as officers of the law.”
Reflecting on the frequency of these scandals, Mr Tetteh remarked that the situation is not entirely surprising, as such activities have often been covered up unless they gain significant national attention.
“This is not shocking at all because it has happened for a long time, and some of these activities are covered unless they gain national attention before those in charge deal with them. Some of our officers, including the police and soldiers, are smoking wee, taking in cocaine and other hard drugs with civilians. We therefore have to introduce a mandatory drug test of officers every six months and expel those using hard drugs from our services. Sometimes you examine how armed robberies are executed and you are forced to conclude that some security officers were part of these crimes.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
