Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take action against the conduct of some national security operatives before it appears he is allowing lawlessness.
According to Professor Agyekum, while he does not believe the president supports the recent actions of some operatives, continued silence on the matter could send the wrong message—that the president approves of these abuses of power.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on April 10, 2025, he cited a recent case in which masked men, suspected to be from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), reportedly stormed the home of Assin South MP, Rev. Ntim Fordjour.
He also referred to other incidents where security officers allegedly entered private homes without following the right procedures.
“If your calf becomes bigger than your thigh, then it means there is a problem.
There is no way a leader should remain aloof while his subordinates misbehave. You shouldn’t allow someone you have given authority to overuse that power,” he said, using a proverb to highlight the issue of unchecked authority.
Professor Agyekum expressed concern over the growing reports of security personnel violating people’s rights and warned that continued silence could be seen as an endorsement.
“What is going on? I don’t believe President Mahama is happy with what the security forces are doing, invading people’s privacy and attacking individuals. We haven’t heard anything positive from them lately that warrants applause.
That’s why I’m saying that if you’re an elderly person and children are misbehaving, and you watch on without taking action, when trouble arises, you’ll also be blamed.”
He urged the president to act quickly and rein in the operatives who are allegedly taking advantage of their positions.
“So, I plead with the president: I know this is not what he wants, so he should act now because they are using his authority to overstep their bounds,” he said.
Professor Agyekum also warned the operatives to be careful, adding:
“One day, they might not have the strength to defend themselves when accountability comes.”