Purpose
This doctrine aims to ensure that the Ghanaian government upholds its constitutional obligations to protect citizens’ rights and security while promoting accountability and transparency.
Key Principles
– Constitutional Supremacy: The Constitution is the supreme law, and all government actions must align with its provisions.
– Citizen’s Rights Protection: The government must protect citizens’ fundamental human rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security.
– Accountability and Transparency: Government actions must be transparent, and officials must be held accountable for any violations of citizens’ rights.
Government Security Behavior Guidelines
1. Respect for Human Rights: Government security agencies must respect citizens’ human rights and dignity.
2. Proportional Use of Force: Security agencies must use force proportionally and only when necessary to protect citizens and maintain public order.
3. Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Government surveillance and intelligence gathering must be conducted in a manner that respects citizens’ privacy and rights.
Enforcement Mechanisms
– Judicial Review: Citizens can seek judicial review of government actions that allegedly infringe on their rights.
– Parliamentary Oversight: Parliament must exercise oversight over government security agencies to ensure accountability.
– Independent Review Bodies: Independent bodies, such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, must investigate citizen complaints.
Implementation and Review
This doctrine will be implemented through a collaborative effort between government agencies, civil society, and citizens. Regular reviews will be conducted to ensure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Source: Derrick Kwaku Antwi (Ph.D.)