A concerned citizen, Maxwell Okamafo Addo, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, over what he describes as a potential national security threat posed by an ongoing high-rise construction project opposite the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra.

In his petition dated October 1, 2025, Mr. Addo alleged that Japan Motors, a Lebanese-owned company under the Kalmoni Group, is constructing a 14-storey building that directly overlooks the CID Headquarters.

He warned that the project could endanger the security of one of the country’s most critical intelligence facilities.

“The CID Headquarters encompasses command centres, intelligence offices, cybersecurity hubs, and other facilities central to national defence. Allowing a skyscraper directly overlooking such a place is extremely dangerous,” the petition stated.

Mr. Addo cited international examples — including the FBI Headquarters in the United States and UK intelligence buildings — noting that global security standards typically prohibit the erection of tall structures close to sensitive installations due to surveillance and physical security risks.

According to him, a similar proposal by the same company was rejected under former President John Dramani Mahama after the then National Security Advisor raised similar concerns. He alleged that current authorities appear to have ignored the potential implications.

“Can a Ghanaian company or individual in Lebanon put up such a project opposite a major national security installation and go scot-free?” Mr. Addo queried, urging the government to suspend the project and investigate how construction permits were granted.

Describing the situation as “a recipe for disaster,” the petitioner called for immediate intervention by national security agencies to avert any risks.

Mr. Addo also attached photographic evidence of the construction site to his petition.

As of now, neither the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of National Security, nor the project developers have issued an official response.

1ST OCTOBER, 2025

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
NATIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS
ACCRA

Dear Sir,

PETITION FOR ASSISTANCE (THREAT TO SECURITY)

Sir, I wish to bring to your notice that the CID Headquarters in Accra is in serious danger as the state security apparatus looks on for a Lebanese Company Japan motors group of companies owned by the Kalmoni family, put up a 14-story building to overlook the CID Headquarters.

Currently work is ongoing with their Skyrise building at the blind side of the Ghana Government at the expense of the safety of the citizens. Akuffo Dampare the outgone Inspector General may have seen it as part of his beautification Project but that is very Dangerous. The Ghana Police Service must not sleep on it.

The national security infrastructure like the CID Headquarters like others plays a crucial role in maintaining the sovereignty and security of a state. The CID HEADQUARTERS encompasses a vast array of facilities, including command centers, intelligence offices, cyber security hubs, police installations, and other sensitive sites that are central to a country’s defense and intelligence operations. Apart from very popular buildings like presidential villas and security ministries and departments all over the world, that are well-protected, many other structures equally have more sensitive structures. For example, the FBI headquarters is among the most sensitive buildings in the United States. Also, buildings housing any of the United Kingdom’s intelligence agencies are as important as the No. 10 Downing Street where the Prime Minister lives and works. There are some of the fundamental aspects of national security infrastructure and the importance of maintaining their exclusivity. Hence, my difficulty with this breach by Japan Motors.

National security buildings are often strategically placed based on their function. For example, command centers may be in areas that are less prone to attacks or natural disasters. Access to these areas is severely restricted, with multiple levels of security checks, often including biometric authentication, security barriers, and escorted access for visitors.

These buildings are designed with robustness in mind to withstand a variety of threats ranging from physical attacks to natural calamities. Enhanced structural measures like reinforced walls, blast-resistant materials, and secure communication lines are standard features.
A clear perimeter often surrounds national security structures, serving as a buffer zone. This helps in controlling surveillance opportunities from adjacent buildings. Restrictions on airspace above and near sensitive installations prevent unauthorized surveillance or attacks from the air.
Urban planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that new developments do not encroach on security infrastructure, maintaining the necessary exclusivity. Developments near national security sites undergo rigorous vetting processes to evaluate potential security implications over time. Our checks revealed that under the John Dramani Mahama’s administration his former National Security Advisor stopped Japan Motors from putting up the structure because the building and its design is not fit to be built directly opposite the CID Headquarters. But as things stand now, it looks like other security Capos in the country are not seeing the danger it poses.

I ask can a Ghanaian company or an individual in Lebanon do this and go Scot-free? This project by Kalmoni & Sons must be stopped immediately. The government of Ghana must stop the project without delay and prosecute the people who gave them a permit to start the project. They cannot destroy the security architecture of this country. It’s imperative that such close skyscrapers cannot be built around the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for security reasons. So, it’s important we take a look at such structures overlooking the CID Headquarters.
This edifice is a recipe for disaster if it is put to use. The national security should act now and not later.

Kindly find attached evidential photos of the project in question for your perusal. Thank you.

Counting on your cooperation.

Maxwell Okamafo Addo
National Watchman [email protected]