President John Dramani Mahama has announced an imminent nationwide retooling of the Ghana Police Service as part of sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening internal security and improving the welfare of officers.
Speaking at the inauguration of a newly constituted 10-member Police Council, chaired by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the President pledged government’s full backing for initiatives to equip the Police Service with the logistics, infrastructure, and morale support needed to enhance performance.
“Our officers cannot give their best when they are demotivated, underpaid, poorly dressed, or working in substandard conditions,” the President said. “This Council must lead the conversation on transforming the conditions of service for every officer.”
Lighting Up Cities, Tackling Crime
As part of efforts to reduce crime and improve police visibility at night, President Mahama disclosed that the government will soon roll out a nationwide street lighting project in all major urban centers.
“Lighting up our cities is not just about aesthetics — it’s about safety. It will be a powerful tool in our fight against night-time crime,” he stated.
The President praised the Ghana Police Service for recent high-profile achievements, including the successful collaboration with Nigerian authorities to rescue kidnapped Ghanaians, and the arrests of suspects linked to the murders of mobile money agents in Kumasi, Koforidua, and Aflao.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Despite these strides, Mahama urged the new Council to intensify efforts to resolve unsolved high-profile murders and track down armed perpetrators in conflict zones.
“You must use top-grade police intelligence to bring justice in the many unresolved killings and growing threats in volatile areas,” he charged.
He stressed that real reforms must also tackle systemic issues within the service, including arbitrary promotions and morale-sapping favoritism.
“Officers must see a clear path for advancement, free from bias and grounded in merit. Morale is built not just with money, but with fairness and institutional respect.”
A National Duty to Strengthen Institutions
President Mahama described the Police Council’s role as pivotal in the nation’s broader institutional renewal agenda, underscoring that a strong police service is a prerequisite for national stability.
“The future of Ghana depends on the strength of its institutions,” he said. “Let your work prove to every Ghanaian that fairness still matters and justice still lives.”
He pledged his unflinching support to the Council, promising to listen, act, and back all decisions rooted in integrity and courage.
Vice President Reaffirms Commitment to Law and Accountability
Vice President and Council Chairperson Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang expressed deep gratitude to the President, affirming her commitment to leading the Council with “transparency, inclusivity, and an unwavering respect for the rule of law.”
She echoed the call for reforms centered on professionalism, discipline, and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
