Security analyst, Dr. Kwesi Biney has expressed concern over Ghana’s growing internal security challenges, warning that the proliferation of small arms, weak law enforcement, and political interference are eroding public confidence in the country’s security institutions. Speaking on Focus FM’s Teknokrat Show hosted by Audrey Sika Dzifa, Dr. Biney described Ghana’s internal security situation as fragile, shaped by legacy issues and a rise in violent incidents across several regions.
Ghana has recorded over 500 chieftaincy, ethnic, and land disputes nationwide each posing existential threats to national security,” he noted. “Illegal mining, gold smuggling, and natural resource conflicts have worsened the problem, leading to displacement and community unrest.”
Dr. Biney cited multiple drivers of insecurity including ethnic tensions, land disputes, terrorism spillovers from the Sahel, and environmental degradation. He emphasized that the infiltration of illegal arms into the country has intensified violent confrontations between civilians and security officers.
“The proliferation of arms is at the heart of the problem,” he said. “When civilians have easy access to weapons, even minor disputes turn deadly.
We need to investigate how these ammunitions enter the country and strengthen border surveillance.” He further attributed the loss of public trust in the police and military to corruption and lack of accountability, adding that the politicization of law enforcement weakens the rule of law.
“No one should be above the law,” he stressed. “But when political or traditional figures interfere in security operations, it undermines public confidence and the constitution itself.”
Dr. Biney urged the media, political leaders, and community actors to play responsible roles in maintaining peace, advising journalists to verify facts before publication to avoid fueling conflict. He also called on government and traditional authorities to invest in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, and community trust-building, arguing that sustainable peace depends on institutional integrity and citizens’ cooperation.
“If we want to secure Ghana’s future, we must empower our institutions to work without interference,” he said. “Community collaboration, transparency, and accountability are key to restoring peace.”