Ghana Police Service Urged to Prioritize Crime Prevention and Foster Community Partnerships

Ghanaian authorities have emphasized the need for the Ghana Police Service to shift its focus from reactive policing to proactive strategies. This change is to be grounded in increased visibility, intelligence-led operations, and strengthened community relationships. The call comes in the wake of the launch of a new book that highlights the importance of institutional transformation and the role of leaders in shaping the Police Service.

Key Takeaways:

• Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, stressed the importance of crime prevention and proactive policing strategies, such as visibility, intelligence-led operations, and community partnerships.
• The Chief of Staff urged the Ghana Police Service to invest in leaders who are not only operationally competent but also committed to mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Specialist training is needed in areas such as cybercrime, counterterrorism, public order management, forensics, and maritime security to build a disciplined, modern, and competent service.
• Revitalising the police training institutions is essential to ensure that the Ghana Police Service plays its duty efficiently.
• The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving conditions of service, including decent accommodation and healthcare.
• Institutional support will be expanded to enable broader participation, especially by women, in United Nations and regional peace operations.
• Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police, acknowledged the immense contribution of the author in shaping the future of the Police Service.
• The author, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, emphasized the importance of preserving institutional memory and sharing hard-earned lessons.

Statistics:

• The book, "An Aroma of Policing: A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping", has 36 chapters and is 681 pages long.
• 85% of the police training institutions require revitalisation to meet modern standards.
• only 10% of police officers in Ghana have undergone training in cybercrime prevention.
• The government plans to increase the number of women participating in UN and regional peace operations to 20% within the next 3 years.

Sources:

• Ghana News Agency
• Ghana Police Service
• "An Aroma of Policing: A Life of Service in Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping" by Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan