President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against political interference and favoritism within the Ghana Police Service, warning that such practices undermine morale and erode public trust.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly constituted Police Council chaired by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for the service to reform and regain the confidence of the Ghanaian people.
“The time has come for the service to reset itself and regain the confidence of the Ghanaian public,” he stated, urging the Council to operate with fairness, independence, and integrity.
President Mahama criticized the politicization of the police service, highlighting issues such as arbitrary promotions, favoritism, and the neglect of seniority all of which, he said, have damaged the credibility of the institution.
He stressed that professionalism, not political pressure, should guide the decisions and operations of the Council.
Mahama acknowledged that many police officers feel demoralized and unappreciated, while the public increasingly feels unprotected and unheard conditions he described as unacceptable in a democratic society.
He pledged the full support of his administration to the Police Council, including initiatives to improve discipline, uphold merit-based promotions, and restore respect for rank and experience.
President Mahama also announced plans to invest in improved logistics, accommodation, and psychological support for police personnel, alongside a large-scale retooling program to ensure officers are properly equipped for modern policing.
He urged the Council to strengthen intelligence-gathering capabilities and prioritize investigations into unresolved killings and violence, especially in conflict-prone areas.
In closing, President Mahama called on the Council to reflect the will of the Ghanaian people and demonstrate that fairness, justice, and accountability remain central to law enforcement in the country.
