The city of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, has suddenly become one of the places that have attracted the attention of the National Security ahead of the December 7 elections.
Several Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at vantage points, including traffic intersections, in the metropolis.
Cameras are now producing a clickable map of the city and making the National Security operatives very watchful of activities in the streets and other public places for “traffic control and general security.”
This spying move has begun to raise eyebrows with the suggestion that the real motive of the CCTV cameras may not be to combat violent crime, but to monitor and track political opponents of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“We saw some things that raised questions. Why are they installing CCTV cameras to monitor our activities without our knowledge? This is problematic,” a concerned resident stated.
But in a sharp rebuttal, the Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, said there was no cause for alarm as the CCTV cameras are only meant for traffic control and general security of the city.
He told DAILY GUIDE that this has nothing to do with the upcoming elections, and that the move forms part of the National Security’s strategic security surveillance.
The idea of surveillance on ordinary citizens in the city was first proposed by the immediate past Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Kojo Bonsu, but it was rejected by the assembly members, who were concerned about the cost.
However, the latest uneasiness is centred on the real motive since some of these technologies incorporate number plate readers, sound detection microphones and facial recognition software as well as programmes that can recognise people from the way they walk.
Source: Daily Guide
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I am getting fed up with comments that easily are spewed out by those who do not like the Kumasi people. Why this avowed dislike. Once more we need a united country as a nation. the dislike will never wash.
We have these cameras here in Accra as well but you don't hear anyone claiming they are spying on us. Its pathetic how paranoid you people are. Conspiracies and quite frankly Stup1d1dy in everything
This is what is done in the develop countries and you don't complain. Why are you against progress. We are going forward not backwards please
The hatred agenda against the Asantes will not materialized. Even the late prof. mills was afraid of the 'great Agenda'. When they try to bring us down, we go higher. National Demons Congress . Have they installed some at our national capital?
are you also not a ghanaian? why didn't they installed those cameras in that your damn village you call region? why this hate? go to kumasi and see loads of your tribe living and working peacefully there. we are tired of this stuuuuuupidity
HOW ARE THEY GOING TO POWER THE CAMERAS.FROM SOLAR POWER?
i told you so these peole don't like any good thing