BACKGROUND OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Government Security Office (GSO) headed by the Government Security Officer and also the Chief Explosives Inspector (CEI) mandated by the Explosives Act Cap 319.

The office has dual reporting channel in the implementation of its tasks, i.e. on the Policy & administration aspects, it reports directly to Permanent Secretary MIA and on the operationally aspects, it reports to IGP under its internal structure at Directorate of Counter Terrorism Police.

Image

KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS

• Keep government security, instruction under review and make necessary amendments in light of current threats to national security
• Collaborate with other security organizations in the conduct of any inquiry into suspected breach of security in any Gov’t Dept. or institutions
• Ensure vetting of all civil servants plus other persons who occupy sensitive Gov’t/ Public posts
• Conduct annual security inspections of all Gov’t MDAs, Offices, Missions abroad, key installations and make recommendations for improvement where necessary.
• Promote and coordinate protective security arrangements in MDAs.
• Make arrangements for training of personnel in all Gov’t MDAs who have access to Gov’t classified information.
• Coordinate activities of security officers employed at all sensitive privately owned installations such as Banks, Hotels, etc. and provide professional advice and assistance as appropriate.

• Perform functions as stated in the Commercial Explosives Act Cap 319

  Note:

• On 11th April 2025, The Explosives Act Cap 319 took effect and any applications of permits, licences, operation of magazine among others shall be followed in accordance to the Act and forms include;