Ministry of Government and Justice, Government ministry in Panama City, Panama

The Ministry of Government and Justice of Panama was a public institution under the Executive Branch, established by Decree No. 14 of 9 November 1903, with Eusebio A. Morales as its first head. It oversaw the prison system, public security, civil protection, the fire brigade, postal services and internal governance. Reorganized by Law 19 of 3 May 2010, it became the Ministry of Government after public security functions passed to the new Ministry of Public Security.

The ministry was founded in 1903 when Panama separated from Colombia and established its own independent government. This institution was central to developing Panama's modern state structures and legal systems from the beginning.

The ministry's name survives in the 1903 founding decree, when the Junta Provisional de Gobierno created it on 9 November with Eusebio A. Morales as first titular. Its early remit covered public order, police, territorial divisions, popular elections, official printing, the national archives, posts and telegraphs, and the fire brigade. Since Law 19 of 3 May 2010 it has been the Ministry of Government, security functions having passed to the Ministry of Public Security.

The building is located in the city center and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Keep in mind this is an active government office, so visiting opportunities may vary depending on security protocols and official schedules.

In 2010, security functions were transferred to a newly created ministry, marking a significant restructuring of the institution. This shift represented an important change in how Panama divided its governmental responsibilities.