President Mahama urges new IGP to root out corruption and restore public trust

President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to take firm action against corruption within the Ghana Police Service.

He explained that corruption in law enforcement undermines justice and weakens public confidence in the security agency. Mahama stressed the need to eliminate all forms of unethical behaviour, including bribery and abuse of power, to restore trust in the institution.

He further urged Mr Yohuno to build a police service that is respected both locally and internationally for its professionalism and integrity.

"Leadership is not just about authority; it is about service. It is about inspiring those under your command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Your leadership will be measured not just by crime statistics but by the trust and confidence the public has in the Ghana Police Service," he stated.

Speaking at Mr Yohuno’s swearing-in ceremony, Mahama highlighted the critical role of the police in maintaining peace, ensuring law and order, and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.

"Security is the foundation of development. Without safety and stability, businesses cannot thrive, children cannot go to school in peace, and our communities will not prosper," he said.

He noted that Mr Yohuno’s appointment comes at a time of rapidly evolving security challenges, requiring traditional policing methods to adapt to emerging threats.

"We face increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime and fraud, as well as new forms of organised crime that demand sophisticated investigative techniques," he added.

Mahama further stressed that the global security landscape presents fresh challenges, including terrorism and transnational criminal networks, requiring strong intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement.

The President acknowledged that Ghanaians have high expectations of the police service and deserve a law enforcement agency that serves them with fairness and professionalism.

"Our people look to you for protection. They want to see a police service that is not only professional and disciplined but also one that is fair and just. They want to be reassured that when they report crime, they will receive a swift and impartial response. They want to trust that the police service will act in their best interest, free from undue influence and without discrimination," he said.

To achieve this, Mahama emphasised that Mr Yohuno’s leadership must be rooted in integrity, discipline, and innovation. He noted that the police service must continue to reform itself to meet the needs of a changing society.

He underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and the effective deployment of modern technology as key pillars of Ghana’s law enforcement strategy.

"Our officers must be well-trained, well-equipped, and motivated to serve with excellence," he asserted.

A critical area requiring urgent attention, Mahama stated, is the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.

"Public trust in law enforcement is essential. Without it, effective policing becomes difficult," he added.

He emphasised that the police should not be seen as an intimidating force but rather as a partner in crime prevention, public safety, and national development.

As the new IGP assumes office, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether his tenure ushers in a new era of integrity, accountability, and trust within the Ghana Police Service.