Accra – In the bustling heart of Ghana, a specter lingers, casting a shadow over the nation’s security apparatus. It’s a specter known as *Kaakaamotobi* – a term that embodies fear, intimidation, and a deep-seated mistrust of authority. Could this pervasive sense of dread, intertwined with outdated practices within the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), be undermining Ghana’s national security?

This is not merely an academic question. The legitimacy of Ghana’s security institutions hinges on public trust and confidence. When fear, represented by *Kaakaamotobi*, takes root, it erodes the very foundation upon which a just and democratic society is built. We will examine how these issues affect the BNI and Ghanaian security today.

What exactly is *Kaakaamotobi*? The word conjures images of masquerades, often associated with mysticism and the projection of power through fear. In childhood, *Kaakaamotobi* represents something to be feared, something inherently untrustworthy. Masquerades themselves, in a broader cultural context, reflect diverse sociocultural and religious backgrounds. Some, like the *egwugwu* in Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart*, wield fear and intimidation as tools of social control.

When security operatives employ tactics that mirror these fear-inducing masquerades – the use of face masks, for example – it creates an environment of opacity and a lack of accountability. This directly impacts the legitimacy of the security sector. Legitimacy, in this context, is defined as power acknowledged as rightful by all relevant parties: those who wield the power, those subject to it, and external observers. (Beetham, 2013). It is vital for the national security to be regarded as legitimate.

Without legitimacy, achieving law-abiding behavior and fostering cooperation from citizens becomes an uphill battle (Bottoms and Tankebe, 2012; Tankebe and Liebling, 2013). Indeed, the legitimacy of the criminal justice system serves as a crucial indicator of a state’s democratic credentials. Citizens’ perceptions of legitimacy, in turn, shape the oversight, accountability mechanisms, and reforms necessary to deepen democratic governance.

To understand the present crisis of legitimacy, we must delve into the past. Unfortunately, systematic historical studies of Ghana’s armed forces and intelligence community remain scarce (Hutchful, Kunbour, Aboage, Aning, Agyekum, Addea). This lack of historical context hinders our ability to address deeply ingrained issues.

The mindset of brutalism and fear within security institutions can be traced back to Ghana’s colonial past, where subjugation was the primary strategy. This mindset was further reinforced during periods of military rule, fostering a fear-based relationship between citizens and security organizations. What is needed is a relationship built on mutual respect between those in power and the citizens they serve. This stands in stark contrast to the current reality, often marred by assaults and human rights violations. The absence of an independent complaints commission further exacerbates the problem, hindering the building of public trust and confidence in national security institutions.

The BNI, in particular, faces a complex challenge in navigating the tensions between its ‘old school’ and ‘new school’ approaches. Johnny Kwadjo, a former Deputy National Security Coordinator, has highlighted the fissures within the BNI during its transition to democracy. He described these tensions as a clash between traditional and modern orientations, significantly shaping the agency’s posturing. Kwadjo argued that the BNI’s reform efforts could either enhance or undermine its legitimacy, depending on how they are approached. He emphasized the importance of engaging in a dialogue with relevant players both within and outside the BNI to achieve meaningful reform.

Addressing the legitimacy deficit requires acknowledging the significant lack of trust and confidence in state institutions. The shadow of *Kaakaamotobi*, the character of fear, looms large, particularly in the face of this deficit. Those who have experienced the effects of *Kaakaamotobi* firsthand can attest to its corrosive impact on trust and confidence in the national security infrastructure.

Confronting the legacy of *Kaakaamotobi* is paramount to rebuilding public trust and strengthening Ghana’s democratic foundations. This involves fostering transparency, accountability, and a culture of respect for human rights within the security sector. The path forward demands open dialogue, meaningful reform, and a resolute commitment to dismantling the practices that perpetuate fear and intimidation. A truly legitimate security sector is not just about safeguarding the state; it is about promoting the well-being and security of all citizens.