National Security and the Rule of Law in Ghana: Balancing State Power and Civil Liberties

This study examined the balance that exists between national security and the rule of law in Ghana, and how the state ensures national security without trampling on civil liberties. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and case study design. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data from 24 participants through face-to-face and online interviews. The thematic analysis was used to analyze the data for the study. The research identified the main concerns as public perceptions of arbitrary arrest and detention, public lack of confidence in national security agencies, low judicial independence, weak oversight bodies of the law, and diminishing space for civil society and the media. All these concerns portray a security environment where state power tends to destroy the rule of law and citizens’ rights. This study recommends strengthening the autonomy and effectiveness of the judiciary and oversight institutions in exercising effective oversight over security agencies. Also, internal security policy and law need to be re-engineered so that there are more specific human rights protection mechanisms and wider accountability. Support for media and civil society needs to be increased so that they can perform their independent watchdog roles without any obstruction. Public education campaigns will also need to be launched with the objective of sensitizing citizens to their rights, along with enhancing society-state relations on security and justice matters. This will allow Ghana to evolve a security system that is not just efficient but also equitable and democratic.