The Ministry of the Interior is set to establish an Independent Police Complaints Commission within the next six months.
This is a major step toward enhancing transparency and police accountability.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak announced this at a media briefing on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The Commission, which will operate independently of the Ghana Police Service, is expected to investigate serious incidents involving police officers and set professional standards for conduct.
The move is part of broader efforts by the government to institutionalise accountability within the nation’s security agencies.
“This will help build confidence within the public by investigating serious incidents, setting standards, and operating independently of the police administration. It will assure our citizens that if a police officer misbehaves, they will be held accountable,” Mr. Muntaka said during the inaugural Government Accountability Series briefing held in Accra.
The Minister cited the recent swift disciplinary action taken by the Inspector-General of Police against an officer who assaulted a journalist as an example of the kind of accountability the new commission seeks to embed structurally across the board.
Digital services platform coming December 2025
Alongside the establishment of the commission, the Interior Ministry will also launch a comprehensive digital services platform by December 2025.
The new system will automate and streamline access to key Ministry services, which are currently bogged down by manual processing.
The digitalisation project will cover a range of functions, including
immigration quota permits, dual citizenship applications, private security licensing, arms and explosives permits and enunciation of citizenship.
“The ministry has begun the digitalisation of these services, which, when launched by the end of this year, will streamline workflows, reduce delays, improve public access to services, and promote transparency and accountability,” Mr. Muntaka told journalists.
This initiative is expected to resolve long-standing frustrations from both Ghanaians and foreign nationals who currently face bureaucratic delays when applying for essential permits and clearances.
New internships for youth in security services
As part of efforts to strengthen operations across Ghana’s security institutions while addressing youth unemployment, the Interior Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, is rolling out a security internship programme.
The first batch of interns is scheduled to begin training on Thursday, July 17, and will be deployed across the police, prison, and fire services. The programme is designed to provide hands-on experience in public service, while bolstering capacity in frontline security operations.
5 community curfews lifted
Mr. Muntaka also announced the lifting of curfews in five conflict-prone areas—Walewale, Binduri, Bawku, Sampa, and Nkwanta—citing improved security conditions following coordinated efforts between local authorities and national security.
“We’re seeing notable calm in these areas, and after comprehensive security assessments, we believe it is safe to lift the restrictions,” the Minister said.
The curfews were originally imposed to curb violence and unrest in these communities, and their removal reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to conflict resolution and stability across the country.
Fire Service personnel now covered by insurance
In another significant development, the Ghana National Fire Service has secured an insurance package for all active-duty officers through the State Insurance Company (SIC).
The comprehensive policy covers GH₵50,000 for injuries sustained on duty, GH₵100,000 for permanent disability and GH₵100,000 for death in the line of duty.
The annual premium per officer is GH₵40, making the package one of the most cost-effective but comprehensive insurance schemes for emergency responders in the country’s history.
“This is long overdue,” Mr. Muntaka noted.
“These men and women risk their lives daily. The least we can do is provide some financial security for them and their families.”
Supporting the 24-Hour Economy
Both the digital transformation initiative and the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints Commission are aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy vision, according to the Minister.
To support this vision, the Ministry of the Interior has created a 24-hour economy secretariat within the police headquarters.
The unit is responsible for providing round-the-clock security services to businesses and industries operating on extended or overnight schedules.
“Security is key to economic confidence,” Mr. Muntaka said. “If people know they can operate at all hours without fear, productivity will increase and jobs will follow.”
A new era of transparency and public trust
Monday’s announcements mark one of the most ambitious reform packages rolled out by the Ministry of the Interior in recent years. From digitisation and independent oversight to curfew lifts and youth internships, the measures are part of a broader drive to rebuild public confidence in Ghana’s internal security architecture.
“Our job is to make sure that every Ghanaian feels safe and that public service is transparent and fair,” Mr. Muntaka concluded.
The coming months will be critical as the Ministry works to deliver on these promises and transform its institutional capacity to meet 21st-century demands.
