Mahama commissions 111 vehicles, digital forensic lab and interrogation centre for BNI
ACCRA, Nov. 14 – President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned 111 vehicles, a new digital forensic laboratory and a renovated interrogation centre for the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), in a bid to modernise the country’s intelligence architecture.
The fleet comprises 100 Mitsubishi pickup trucks, six Toyota Land Cruiser station wagons and five Toyota Prado vehicles, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported. The renovated interrogation rooms are fitted with soundproofing and digital recording equipment, according to Graphic Online.
“A thing of the past”
President Mahama said a shortage of vehicles had hampered the Bureau’s work. “One of the major things that has hampered the efficient work of the Bureau has been lack of vehicles. I have seen some of your vehicles, very tattered and old, but struggling to travel from here to Boko or somewhere just to gather intelligence. That is going to be a thing of the past,” he said, Kessben Online reported.
He charged drivers and transport officers to maintain the vehicles. “If we maintain these vehicles properly, for a minimum of eight years, 10 years, we will still have them in good condition, so the drivers and the transport sector, I charge you to make sure that we get the best mileage out of these vehicles,” he said, according to GNA.
The President announced that more vehicles would be procured for the security agencies in 2027, with the BNI expected to receive additional vehicles.
Tackling cybercrime
On the forensic laboratory, President Mahama said: “The commissioning of this digital forensic laboratory is an important development in our collective efforts to investigate cybercrime and other sophisticated offences committed today,” MyJoyOnline reported.
He said data retrieved from suspects’ mobile phones had already helped investigators identify members of armed robbery gangs. “Just by getting the phone of a suspect, you are able to get so much information that helps you in terms of investigating what has happened,” he said.
More regional offices
The President commended BNI Director-General Charles Alhassan Kipo for the modernisation drive and said nine more regional offices were under construction and expected to be completed next year, following the recent opening of the Bureau’s Ahafo regional headquarters.
Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak cautioned communities against confrontations with security personnel during official operations, and said a secure Ghana contributes significantly to stability in the West African sub-region.
Mr Kipo said the new facilities and vehicles reflected sustained investment in the Bureau’s infrastructure, technology and operational readiness.
Source: Ghana News Agency; Graphic Online; MyJoyOnline; Kessben Online.
Featured image: Oye News GH graphic.
