The men and women of the Ghana Police Service have been tasked by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia with living above reproach, reviewing and renewing the principles and practices of maintaining public order, and fostering closer police-civilian relations—especially as the country gets ready for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections.

“You should be, first, exemplary law-abiding citizens for others to emulate. As professionals, always remember to treat people the way you wish yourselves, spouse or children to be treated. Therefore, in enforcing the law, be fair, firm and fearless,” Dr Bawumia stated on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Vice President Bawumia issued this call during the 52nd Cadet Officers’ Graduation Parade of the Ghana Police Service held at the Ghana Police Academy in Tesano, Accra.

A total of 340 officers, comprising 260 men and 84 women, were officially appointed to the Senior Officer Corps of the Ghana Police Service, attaining the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.

This recognition followed six months of intensive academic and practical training focused on the evolving dynamics of policing.

The Vice President conveyed contentment with the ongoing paradigm shift in the training approach for Cadet Officers. He emphasized that the training, which incorporates a substantial balance of theory and practical elements, is specifically designed to align with the evolving dynamics of democratic policing. This includes integrated collaboration with stakeholders and the reinforcement of confident and practically oriented leadership in law enforcement at the District and Unit levels nationwide.

“The feedback and performance outcomes from the field by products of this reform initiative have been inspiring. I congratulate you as beneficiaries of this training reform agenda and urge you all to work hard to maintain and improve the standards set by your predecessors to enhance safety and security for socio-economic development of our communities.”

He gave the assurance that the government is committed to providing the Police Service with the resources it needs to carry out its constitutional duty of upholding law and order so that everyone can go about their daily lives without interference.

“In light of this commitment, construction of additional infrastructure such as lecture rooms, ultra-modern auditorium and residential accommodation is nearing completion at the Academy. This is intended to improve teaching and learning and to adequately accommodate the increasing number of officers admitted to the Academy.

“Also, the Government continues to support the decentralisation efforts of the Formed Police Unit across the country. So far over 122 bases have been established across the country. In addition to the provision of motorbikes and related equipment of law enforcement, more mobilization of resources is on-going to ensure these FPU bases are self-sustaining.”

Dr. Bawumia commended the progress achieved by the Police Administration in utilizing the government's ongoing digitization and digitalization agenda. This has been instrumental in enhancing Police reform initiatives and upgrading the delivery of law enforcement services. As a result, the administration introduced the digital solution tool known as "TRAFFITECH-GH" to streamline the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations, aiming to enhance road safety in Ghana.

“It is also commendable to note the comprehensive reorganization, training and decentralization of the Cybercrime Unit across all 25 regional police commands across the country in line with its broader goals of modernizing the Police Service to complement criminal investigations and also adequately tackle emerging threats in the digital space.

“Not only focusing on crime but you have also maximized opportunities to expand and deepen decentralization of your criminal record clearance services across the 25 Regional Police Commands this year within the overall framework of the Ghana Police Services Transformational Agenda aimed to improve police service delivery to the populace.”

Referring to the imminent polls, Dr. Bawumia encouraged the Ghana Police Service, particularly the graduating officers, to uphold the Service's longstanding reputation for professionalism in carrying out their duties. He emphasized that the Ghanaian public anticipates a proactive and accountable approach from the Police.

“There is no doubt that the Police have been a credible lead institution in the provision of internal security in the democratic journey of the country since independence and their long experiences and professionalism will once again be called upon in the coming elections. As you graduate from here, much will be expected of you to support and maintain the long-standing professionalism in providing the needed security before, during and after the elections in the communities that you will be deployed.

Dr. Bawumia reminded GPS staff members that the organization is run with a strong command and control system, efficient communication channels, and an orderly structure. He also advised staff members to file complaints through the proper channels.

“The Ghana Police Service operates with a well-organized structure and effective communication channels, supported by a robust command and control system. As the Chairman of the Police Council, I am committed to fulfilling my constitutional role alongside the Council team to ensure that the administrative and operational aspects of the Service benefit both officers and citizens. In law enforcement, leadership marked by discipline, professionalism, and integrity is crucial for success and credibility.

“Fostering a culture based on these principles is not just a preference for the Ghana Police; it is a necessity to uphold public trust and respect.

“Dear Officers, let's learn to respect our own rules and regulations, particularly by staying within the command structure in handling our grievances. Remember, you cannot find solutions if you discuss your work-related grievances in a “chop bar” or at a friend's party when even the door to the office of the Chairman of the Police Council is always open” he pointed out.