The Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander of the Ghana Police Service has clarified that members of the public have the right to record police officers while they are performing their duties in public spaces.
According to the commander, citizens do not require permission from a police officer before taking a video of the officer in a public place. The clarification comes amid growing concerns over whether members of the public are legally allowed to record police operations.
The commander explained that if an officer attempts to prevent a citizen from recording lawful police activity in a public space, such an action could amount to a violation of the law. He therefore urged the public to understand their rights and avoid being intimidated when documenting incidents involving police officers.
The clarification is expected to contribute to greater transparency and accountability in police-citizen interactions, particularly during traffic enforcement and other public operations. Recording such encounters can also provide an objective account of events when disputes arise.
However, members of the public are expected to exercise restraint and avoid interfering with police duties while recording. The commander’s comments suggest that recording an officer and obstructing an officer in the performance of his or her duties are two different matters.
