The Africa Institute of Governance and Security (AIGS) issued a statement condemning the new actions of the Mahama administration, invoking human rights, democratic accountability, and the rule of law. The institute was concerned with the reported citizen pickups and violent house invasions by National Security officers, which they perceived as a foreboding departure from the democratic tradition in Ghana.
Specifically, the AIGS referenced the arbitrary arrest of citizens for insufficient good cause or access to due process, and "Rambo-style" raids on the homes of erstwhile government officials like Dr. Ernest Addison and Ken Ofori-Atta. Such actions, the institute argued, are indicative of a trend of intimidation and abuse of power that undermines Ghana's democratic institutions.
The AIGS further criticized the appointment of Richard Jakpa, who has been embroiled in scandals, as the head of National Security operations, arguing that this incites public suspicion and ignites suspicions of politically motivated vendettas.
The institute called on President John Dramani Mahama to forthwith cease these undemocratic actions and make all security operations strictly abide by the Ghana Constitution and global human rights principles. They further called on the government to come out with an official statement regarding recent events, probe allegations of impropriety, and reaffirm its democratic ethos.
In a letter bearing the signature of Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Governance Specialist and Security Strategist, the AIGS demanded that civility-guided governance, respect for the rule of law, and inclusivity are not negotiable. The institute cautioned President Mahama against allowing his government to drift into authoritarianism that will taint the image of Ghana and destabilize its democratic experience.
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