The government is seeking to rename the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) back to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) as part of sweeping reforms captured in the proposed Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025.
According to the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, the change is intended to clear up long-standing confusion surrounding the NIB acronym, which is often mistaken for the National Investment Bank.
He explained that such overlaps are inconsistent with international best practices and existing legal standards.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 19, 2026, the minister stressed that clarity in the naming of security institutions is critical to maintaining professionalism and public confidence.
“Anywhere in the world, the acronyms of security agencies are legally distinct to avoid confusion. Unfortunately, when you say NIB, people are unsure whether you mean a bank or a security agency. By introducing BNI, the Bureau of National Intelligence, we address this issue,” he stated.
Beyond the name change, the bill proposes significant structural adjustments to Ghana’s security governance.
One of the key changes is the abolition of the specific position of Minister of National Security.
Under the new arrangement, the President would be empowered to designate a minister to oversee the National Security Coordinator, rather than maintain a standalone portfolio.
However, the proposed reforms have not been without controversy.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has openly opposed the bill, cautioning that it could centralise too much authority within the National Security apparatus.
He warned that such a concentration of power might open the door to potential abuses and undermine citizens’ rights.
As debate continues in Parliament, the bill is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched pieces of security legislation in recent years, with implications for both institutional structure and civil liberties.
NA/VPO
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