President Mahama Calls For Radical Policing Reforms To Restore Public Trust

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a clarion call for sweeping reforms within the Ghana Police Service, emphasizing the imperative need to revamp the law enforcement agency in order to restore public confidence and effectively combat the escalating scourge of crime.

 Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, March 14, 2025, President Mahama underscored the pivotal role of the police service in maintaining national security and upholding democratic principles.

"The Ghana Police Service is the bedrock of our nation's stability," President Mahama aptly noted, adding that "however, the increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and other security threats demand a radical transformation in how we approach policing". 

The President Mahama's remarks come at a time when Ghana is grappling with a surge in criminal activity, which has eroded public trust in the police service.

President Mahama emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the police force, citing outdated equipment, inadequate training, and poor working conditions as major impediments to effective law enforcement.

"Our police officers are often overstretched and under-resourced," he observed, stressing that "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".

 President Mahama urged the new IGP to prioritize community policing as a vital strategy for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public. "Policing cannot be effective without the cooperation of the public," he stressed, adding that "we must bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens to create a safer environment for all".

In his acceptance speech, IGP Yohuno pledged to uphold professionalism, transparency, and community-driven policing, bringing to the fore his vast experience and expertise in law enforcement.

With nearly four decades of service, IGP Yohuno has established a reputation for strategic leadership in crime prevention and intelligence-led operations, having played a key role in establishing the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and introducing the Informant Reward System.

Undoubtedly, as the new IGP embarks on the daunting task of reshaping Ghana's policing system, President Mahama's call for urgent reforms serves as a timely reminder of the need for a radical transformation in the country's approach to law enforcement.

Story: Phalonzy