President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning against political interference and favoritism within the Ghana Police Service, emphasizing that such actions undermine morale and erode public trust. He made the statement during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly reconstituted Police Council at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Chaired by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Council has been tasked with steering much-needed reforms in the service. Addressing the Council, President Mahama called for a fresh start aimed at rebuilding public confidence in the police force.
“The time has come for the Police Service to reset and restore the faith of the Ghanaian people,” President Mahama said. “Professionalism, not political pressure, must guide your decisions.”
The President expressed deep concern over persistent issues such as political favoritism, arbitrary promotions, and disregard for seniority, all of which he said have damaged the credibility of the service.
“For too long, issues of politicisation, unfair postings, and breaches of professional conduct have cast a shadow over the service. Do not allow power to overshadow fairness,” he stated.
Mahama noted that many police officers feel overlooked and demoralized, while the public feels vulnerable and unheard. These, he said, are unacceptable conditions in a democracy and must be addressed urgently.
President Mahama emphasized that the Police Council’s responsibilities extend far beyond ceremonial roles. He called on members to be bold, fair, and impartial in carrying out their mandate, which includes overseeing conduct, performance, and welfare within the service.
“You are now custodians of one of the most critical institutions in our Republic,” he said. “This is not a task to be taken lightly.”
He pledged the government’s full support to the Council’s efforts, especially in strengthening merit-based promotions, discipline, and respect for hierarchy.
The President urged the Police Council to align with his administration’s RESET agenda, which aims to elevate standards across public institutions, including the security sector. He emphasized the need to improve working conditions for police personnel, promising significant investments in logistics, housing, and mental health support.
“We are rolling out a large-scale retooling program to ensure our officers have the equipment and resources they need to protect the public,” Mahama announced.
While acknowledging recent gains in combating serious crime, Mahama noted that more work must be done. He encouraged the Police Council to enhance intelligence-gathering and resolve long-standing cases of violence, especially in conflict-prone regions.
“This Council must represent the will of the Ghanaian people,” he said. “Let your work send a message that fairness, justice, and integrity still matter in Ghana.”
President Mahama assured the Police Council that his administration would support lawful and necessary actions taken to restore order and build public trust.
“This is more than a swearing-in; it is a promise to create a police service that truly serves the people,” he concluded.
He urged the Council to lead with courage, transparency, and justice, stressing that the future of the Police Service and Ghana’s democracy depend on strong, independent institutions.
