On June 10, President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the new Police Council, emphasizing the critical need to uphold integrity and professionalism within the Ghana Police Service. He called on the Council to serve as a model of transparency and ethical conduct to rebuild trust among officers and the public.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Mahama highlighted longstanding issues affecting the police force, including politicization, arbitrary promotions, neglect of seniority, unfair postings, and breaches of professional conduct. He acknowledged the frustrations faced by police officers and the concerns of Ghanaian citizens regarding safety and trust.
“For too long, issues of politicization, arbitrary promotions, disregard for seniority, unfair postings, and breaches of professional conduct have cast shadows over the credibility of the service. I am fully aware of the frustrations among the ranks of the Police Service and the general public,” he stated.
President Mahama urged the Police Council to lead with integrity, urging them to act decisively and impartially to address these systemic issues. He emphasized the importance of restoring trust within the police service and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“The Ghana Police Service must be a beacon of integrity. Many officers feel sidelined and demoralized, and many citizens feel unheard and unprotected. These conditions are not sustainable in a just and democratic society,” he said. “Today, I charge this council to be bold and impartial, addressing these grievances swiftly and justly. Re-establish the trust within the service and between the service and citizens.”
He concluded by stressing that political influence should not undermine fairness and professionalism in police operations. The Police Council is encouraged to prioritize merit and ethical standards over political pressures.
“Do not allow power to overshadow fairness. Let professionalism, not political pressure, guide your decisions,” Mahama urged.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards reforming the Ghana Police Service, with a focus on restoring integrity, professionalism, and public confidence. The government’s commitment to these principles aims to ensure a safer and more just Ghana for all citizens.
