Obstructionist behaviour must not be tolerated – Prof Kwesi Aning warns

Security analyst Professor Kwesi Aning has warned against actions that undermine state security. He emphasized that “obstructionist behaviour” is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.

Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews, Prof Aning addressed public criticism of security operations. This comes amid ongoing arrests and investigations of political figures. He stressed the importance of citizens trusting security institutions during these discussions.

"The state has the primary responsibility to ensure citizen safety," he noted.

Prof Aning acknowledged that people may fear security forces' actions. However, expressing those fears in ways that incite resistance is not acceptable. "Inciting people to resist or undermine the state cannot be tolerated," he said.

He referenced an audio by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. Prof Aning described his language as "inciteful."

"We need to understand how the law works and what our rights are," he stated. He added that obstructionist behaviour is unacceptable when operatives have legal authority for their actions.

"When they have a legal document for an operation, we must respect their work," he explained. Discussions about how operations are conducted can happen later.

Prof Aning also criticized Parliament for its silence on national security issues. "Parliament’s silence is unacceptable; intelligence operations signal our readiness to protect you."

He urged the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior to be more active. Both NPP and NDC members sit on this committee, which oversees these matters.

"Parliament should discuss how operations should be conducted," he suggested. They can review standard operating procedures regarding timing and engagement methods.

Regarding concerns over excessive force, he advised citizens to follow legal processes. If someone feels their rights are violated, they can approach their parliamentarian or go to court.

"There are legal avenues for addressing grievances from these operations," he stressed.

Prof Aning concluded by reiterating the state's role in national security. "Obstructionist behaviour cannot be accepted; the state must prevail over individual interests."

While operational approaches can be debated, "inciteful obstructionist behaviour is absolutely unacceptable."