Criminologist Emmanuel Sowatey has expressed concerns over the proposal to declare a state of emergency in Ghana in response to recent drug-related arrests and seizures. Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on September 21, Sowatey called for a more comprehensive analysis of the problem, taking into account the potential human rights implications of such a measure. He emphasized the need for a broader assessment of Ghana's security and criminal justice systems.
Sowatey stressed that any response to the issue should prioritize preserving human rights and strengthening the legitimacy of the criminal justice system. He highlighted the importance of public trust in effective crime prevention, noting that members of the public are more likely to cooperate with security agencies when they believe the system is fair and that information they provide will be handled appropriately.
According to Sowatey, criminological research distinguishes between the certainty and severity of punishment, with the certainty of arrest playing a crucial role in deterring crime. He argued that Ghana should focus on strengthening intelligence gathering by combining human intelligence with technology, enabling the early identification of criminal activity and encouraging members of the public to share information with confidence.
Sowatey advocated for sustained security-sector reform and transformation, rather than relying solely on emergency responses. He described transformation as a more comprehensive overhaul of existing systems, drawing lessons from previous efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen the capacity and numbers of personnel working across the criminal justice system.
The criminologist also cautioned that criminal networks evolve alongside law enforcement responses, emphasizing the need for a dynamic approach to addressing organized crime. He noted that as authorities find ways to catch criminals, the latter are also finding ways to circumvent the problem, underscoring the importance of an adaptive and multi-faceted strategy.
Sowatey's proposed approach combines intelligence, technology, human-resource capacity, deterrence, public trust, and institutional cooperation in addressing organized crime. He emphasized that Ghana can draw lessons from previous efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen its criminal justice system, rather than relying on emergency measures that may have unintended consequences.
The caution against declaring a state of emergency over drug trafficking concerns comes amid a series of drug-related arrests and seizures in Ghana. Sowatey's comments highlight the need for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, one that balances the need for effective crime prevention with the importance of protecting human rights and promoting public trust in the criminal justice system.
Key points
- Criminologist Emmanuel Sowatey cautions against declaring a state of emergency to address drug trafficking in Ghana.
- Sowatey advocates for a broader assessment of Ghana's security and criminal justice systems, prioritizing human rights and public trust.
- The criminologist proposes a comprehensive approach combining intelligence, technology, and institutional cooperation to address organized crime.
