https://www.myjoyonline.com/citizens-are-allowed-to-film-police-when-being-searched-mttd/-------https://www.myjoyonline.com/citizens-are-allowed-to-film-police-when-being-searched-mttd/

The Head of Education, Research and Training of the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service says individuals are allowed to record officers while they are being searched.

Supt Alexander Obeng who was speaking on JoyNews The Law Sunday noted that the act will keep the officers on their toes and protect the dignity of the individual.

According to him, individuals who are suspected to have committed any crime when they are being searched still have rights, therefore, the police officers should not humiliate them.

“Citizens have rights; when they are being searched, arrested, and transported to the police station or court. And the first right that is guaranteed under our 1992 constitution is Article 15.

"It is very critical that despite whatever power the police have when arresting and searching people, they are not supposed to do so in an undignified manner,” he stated.

Two weeks ago, Citi FM’s Umaru Sanda was subjected to what has been described as an unlawful search at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle interchange by four armed policemen who were driving a SWAT branded car with registration number GP 4536.

The armed men demanded to search his car for weapons and drugs.

Mr Sanda who captured all the action on camera later explained that he filmed the police search to ensure no incriminating evidence was planted in his car.

This, Supt Obeng says, it is impressive and must should be encouraged.

He subsequently, advised his subordinate to be cautious how they react when they are being filmed.

For him, citizens have the rights and must be allowed to exercise it.

“It cannot be that, for example, if the police are at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and are conducting a search in public and all eyes are observing and the camera is also observing you take offence.

“I think that we should look at these things [filming of a search] which are very trivial and unnecessary...I believe the police officers are learning from these incidents.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.


DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.