The suspension of Divine Selasi Agbeti, Director-General of Ghana’s National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), has sent ripples through the nation’s government and security apparatus. Mr. Agbeti, who assumed his role in March 2025, was suspended for two weeks by President John Dramani Mahama following allegations of improperly utilizing a uniformed military officer as a personal bodyguard during public appearances. This action, taken without official authorization or adherence to established protocols, has sparked widespread criticism and raised serious concerns regarding the judgment and conduct of the NCSA’s leader. The incident underscores potential vulnerabilities in the oversight of security personnel and the critical need for stringent adherence to established procedures.
The Presidential directive, conveyed in a letter dated July 15, 2025, and signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, unequivocally condemned Mr. Agbeti’s actions as “inappropriate and embarrassing to the government.” This strong rebuke reflects the gravity of the situation and the potential damage to the image and credibility of the government. Beyond the immediate breach of protocol, the incident raises deeper questions about the understanding and application of security procedures within the NCSA, an institution responsible for safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure. The unauthorized use of military personnel by a civilian authority raises concerns about potential overreach and a disregard for the established chain of command.
The two-week suspension, while significant, is considered a preliminary measure pending the outcome of a thorough internal investigation. This investigation will delve into the specifics of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the deployment of the military officer, the duration of the unauthorized arrangement, and any potential mitigating factors. The investigation’s findings will inform the final decision regarding Mr. Agbeti’s future with the NCSA. Depending on the severity of the findings, more severe disciplinary actions, including potential dismissal, remain a possibility. This underscores the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and maintaining the integrity of its security agencies.
The incident has sparked considerable debate amongst security analysts, who point to a broader issue concerning the boundaries of civilian authority over security personnel. The seemingly casual disregard for established protocol highlights a potential gap in training or understanding regarding the proper deployment and utilization of military resources. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, especially within sensitive security agencies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for regular reviews and reinforcement of these protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The effectiveness of civilian oversight of security forces hinges on a clear understanding and consistent application of these established norms.
Mr. Agbeti’s brief tenure at the helm of the NCSA, having taken over from the long-serving Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako who led the authority since its inception in 2017, has been abruptly overshadowed by this controversy. His ability to effectively lead the organization, responsible for protecting Ghana’s critical cyber infrastructure and shaping national cybersecurity policy, has been seriously called into question. The incident casts a long shadow over his leadership, potentially eroding public trust and confidence in his ability to manage the complex challenges inherent in the realm of cybersecurity. The uncertainty surrounding his future within the NCSA is a distraction from the crucial work of the organization, potentially hindering its ability to effectively address evolving cyber threats.
The repercussions of this incident extend beyond the individual actions of Mr. Agbeti. It highlights systemic vulnerabilities within the security apparatus and the need for a comprehensive review of protocols and training procedures. The incident serves as a valuable, albeit costly, lesson on the importance of upholding established norms, maintaining transparency, and ensuring accountability within government institutions, especially those tasked with national security. The government’s response to this incident, including the thoroughness of the investigation and the subsequent actions taken, will be closely scrutinized and will serve as a benchmark for its commitment to maintaining the integrity and professionalism of its security agencies. The outcome will also send a clear message regarding the consequences of disregarding established protocols and the importance of respecting the established chain of command within the security forces.
