President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of individuals invited or brought in for questioning, stressing that all interrogations must be conducted in a professional and humane manner.
The President said the newly renovated interrogation rooms must provide a comfortable and appropriate environment for individuals appearing before the security agency, irrespective of the allegations or circumstances surrounding their investigations.
President Mahama gave the directive during the commissioning of a refurbished BNI interrogation centre and a newly established forensic laboratory, as well as the presentation of 111 operational vehicles to strengthen the Bureau’s investigative and security operations.
Addressing officials at the ceremony, the President acknowledged that most Ghanaians would prefer never to find themselves in an interrogation room. However, he insisted that anyone who appears before the Bureau must be treated with dignity and respect.
He emphasised that being questioned by a national security agency should never be an excuse to violate an individual’s fundamental rights.
“I pray that Ghanaians do not have to come to these interrogation rooms. But when they do, their dignity must be protected,” President Mahama stated.
Mahama Highlights Modern BNI Interrogation Facilities
The President disclosed that the renovated interrogation rooms had been equipped with modern soundproofing facilities and digital recording systems to improve the quality of investigations and ensure proper documentation of questioning sessions.
According to him, the technological improvements are expected to promote professionalism, accountability and transparency in the investigative processes of the Bureau of National Investigations.
The digital recording systems will also provide reliable records of interrogations, helping to strengthen investigative procedures and safeguard the rights of individuals questioned by the security agency.
New BNI Forensic Laboratory to Strengthen Cybercrime Investigations
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned forensic laboratory, describing it as a major addition to Ghana’s national security and criminal investigation infrastructure.
He explained that the facility would improve the BNI’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, digital fraud and other sophisticated technology-related offences.
With cybercriminal activities becoming increasingly complex, the President stressed the need for modern forensic technology and specialised investigative capabilities to help security agencies identify, analyse and address emerging digital threats.
“So, it is important that we have this forensic lab to check cybercrime and all the other sophisticated digital crimes that are being committed today,” he stated.
The commissioning of the refurbished interrogation centre, forensic laboratory and presentation of 111 operational vehicles form part of efforts to modernise the Bureau of National Investigations and strengthen Ghana’s intelligence-gathering, crime detection and national security capabilities.
Source: newsthemegh.com