Parliament has approved the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025, reintroducing the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) as the official name of the agency formerly known as the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
The legislation, passed on Wednesday, March 18, introduces wide-ranging reforms to Ghana’s national security architecture.
Earlier, on February 19, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka explained that the change in name was necessary to eliminate confusion surrounding the NIB acronym, which is often mistaken for the National Investment Bank.
However, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns about the Bill, warning that it could centralise too much authority within the national security system and risk potential abuse of citizens’ rights. He described the legislation as politically sensitive.
The law also clarifies that any references in existing laws or documents to the Bureau of National Investigations or National Intelligence Bureau will now be interpreted as referring to the Bureau of National Intelligence. Similarly, references to the external intelligence agency will be construed as the Research Department.
A major provision of the Bill grants the President authority to assign a minister to supervise the National Security Coordinator, effectively eliminating the standalone role of a Minister for National Security.
The legislation further establishes a comprehensive legal structure for the National Security Council and formally recognises Regional and District Security Councils to enhance coordination at local levels. It also defines the responsibilities of key state institutions in addressing both internal and external security threats.
Additionally, the Office of the National Security Coordinator is formally integrated into the intelligence framework to improve coordination and operational efficiency.
The new law will repeal the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), aligning with the government’s broader national security reform agenda.
Source: citinews
