By: Apiah-Kubi | ignewss — Ghana
The President of the Private Security Guard Association of Ghana (PSGAG), Roland Obibah Mensah, has condemned the recent shooting incident at Dome Kwabenya, stressing that private security companies in Ghana are not legally permitted to arm their guards with firearms.
Speaking on Fabea FM’s Me Man Ho Dadwen programme, Mr. Obibah Mensah explained that the operations of private security companies are governed by strict legal provisions regarding the possession and use of firearms.
According to him, private security personnel are trained to perform duties such as bodyguarding, escort services, and institutional security, with the use of firearms limited to specific assignments and in accordance with the law.
“We operate as bodyguards, escorts and perform institutional duties where we are trained to be conscious and to use guns for a specific purpose, essentially when it comes to escorting and bodyguarding,” he stated.
Mr. Obibah Mensah clarified that while individuals may legally acquire and register firearms for personal protection, private security companies are prohibited from issuing firearms to guards for routine security duties.
“Private security companies are not permitted to carry firearms. It is simple, and the guards know,” he emphasized.
He noted that Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1571, which regulates the private security industry and prohibits private security guards from bearing firearms, is long overdue for review to address emerging security challenges.
Expressing disappointment over the Dome Kwabenya incident, he described the conduct of the guards involved as unprofessional and regrettable.
“You cannot display firearms in public just like that. It hurts me a lot that the incident involved one of our companies,” he said.
His comments follow the shooting incident at Dome Kwabenya and the subsequent directive by the Minister for the Interior reiterating that private security guards have no legal authority to use firearms.
Mr. Obibah Mensah observed that the rising crime rate has heightened public demand for armed protection but cautioned that the indiscriminate or careless use of firearms could create serious security threats for the country.
He therefore urged private security personnel across Ghana to exercise professionalism, vigilance, and sound judgement in the discharge of their duties.
He further advised security guards not to carry out unlawful instructions from employers or clients, stressing that refusing an illegal order is not an offence.
“I urge you, private security guards, that you should not obey every order to act. It is not a crime to refuse an order,” he stated.
He called on all private security operators to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and comply fully with the laws governing the industry in order to maintain public confidence and support national security efforts.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com