Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mubarack Mohammed has charged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and regional police commanders to strengthen professionalism, accountability and effective leadership within the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders Conference held at the National Police Headquarters, the minister said the Police Service must respond to the growing expectations of Ghanaians by becoming more professional, visible, approachable and competent.
According to him, the police leadership must place greater emphasis on crime prevention, the protection of citizens and the restoration of public confidence in the Service.
He urged the leadership to build a police institution that “protects the weak, pursues the guilty, and secures the innocent,” while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, discipline and professionalism.
Counsel against private security forces
The Asawase MP also expressed concern over the growing practice of chiefs, political parties, individuals and organisations forming private forces ostensibly for self-protection.
He reminded the police leadership that such unauthorised groups are illegal under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).
The minister therefore directed the IGP and regional commanders to take decisive measures to prevent vigilantism and ensure that persons who engage in such activities are brought to justice.
Police recruits’ videos
The Interior Minister further directed police commanders to stop the unauthorised recording and circulation of videos and images of recruits undergoing training.
He said the practice compromises the privacy, dignity and security of trainees and must be brought to an immediate end through appropriate controls and supervision.
Mr. Muntaka urged commanders to ensure that officers and trainers under their command understand the seriousness of the directive and comply with the required controls.
IGP calls for proactive policing
The IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his part, emphasised the need for a Police Service that actively prevents crime rather than merely occupying space.
He encouraged regional commanders to participate fully in the conference and contribute meaningfully to efforts to transform the Police Service through effective, accountable and visionary leadership.
The conference forms part of efforts to strengthen leadership and improve the effectiveness of the Ghana Police Service in responding to the security needs and expectations of the public.
