With the passage of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025, Parliament has reinstated the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) as the new designation for the National Investigations Bureau (NIB). Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka justified the change as a practical step to resolve acronym-related confusion. Yet, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised sharp concerns, arguing that the reforms could dangerously expand the powers of Ghana’s security institutions and erode civil liberties—a debate that underscores the political weight of the reforms.
The new law states that any references to the Bureau of National Investigations, the National Intelligence Bureau, or any internal intelligence agency in existing laws or documents will now be understood as references to the Bureau of National Intelligence. Additionally, references to the external intelligence agency will be interpreted as the Research Department. Specifically, the law indicates:
“A reference to the Bureau of National Investigations, the National Intelligence Bureau, or the internal intelligence agency in any existing enactment or document prior to the enactment of this law shall be interpreted as a reference to the Bureau of National Intelligence. Likewise, a reference to the external intelligence agency in any existing enactment or document before this law came into force shall be interpreted as a reference to the Research Department.”
Additionally, the legislation empowers the President to designate a minister to oversee the National Security Coordinator, effectively abolishing the substantive position of a Minister for National Security. The Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the operations of the National Security Council and formally recognises Regional and District Security Councils to strengthen coordination at sub-national levels.
It also outlines the roles of key state agencies responsible for implementing government security policies, covering both internal and external threats. A key feature of the law is the establishment of the Office of the National Security Coordinator as an integral part of the security and intelligence structure, aimed at improving coordination and enhancing the effectiveness of Ghana’s security system.
The legislation further seeks to repeal the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), in line with the government’s policy direction on national security reforms.
Source: Leticia Osei
