PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has called for sweeping reforms within the Ghana Police Service to restore public confidence and effectively tackle the rising tide of crime.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stressed the need for a radical transformation in policing to address growing security threats, including violent crime and cybercrime.
“The Ghana Police Service is the bedrock of our nation’s stability,” he stated. “However, the increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and other security threats demand a radical transformation in how we approach policing.”
Ghana has been grappling with a surge in criminal activity, leading to waning public trust in law enforcement.
President Mahama also identified outdated equipment, inadequate training and poor working conditions as major challenges hindering effective policing.
“Our police officers are often overstretched and under-resourced,” he observed. “If we are to effectively combat crime and protect our citizens, we must invest in cutting-edge technology, enhance intelligence capabilities and provide our officers with the tools they need to succeed.”
A key aspect of the President’s reform agenda is community policing, which he believes is essential to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public. “Policing cannot be effective without the cooperation of the public,” he said. “We must bridge this gap to create a safer environment for all.”
In his acceptance speech, IGP Yohuno vowed to uphold professionalism, transparency and community-driven policing.
With nearly four decades in law enforcement, he brings vast experience in crime prevention and intelligence-led operations. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and introducing the Informant Reward System.
As IGP Yohuno takes on the challenge of reforming Ghana’s policing system, President Mahama’s call for urgent change serves as a crucial reminder of the need for a modern, well-equipped and trusted police force.
Source: Nationaltyme.com
