• 14 Mar, 2025
• Classic Ghana
• No comment

President Mahama swears in new IGP, charges him to root out corruption in police service

President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Friday, swore-in Commissioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohunu, as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), charging him to root out corruption in the Police Service.

“Mr IGP, your role will also involve rooting out corruption within the service. Corruption in law enforcement undermines justice and weakens public confidence in our security agencies,” President Mahama stated.

“It is crucial that all forms of unethical behavior, from bribery to the abuse of power, are decisively dealt with.”

The President made the appointment of the new IGP in accordance with Articles 91 and 202 of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State.

Mr Yohunu, who is the immediate past Deputy IGP, replaces COP Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

President Mahama reiterated the need to build a Police Service that was respected both locally and internationally for its professionalism and integrity.

“Additionally, I want to emphasize the importance of improving the welfare of officers under your command,” he stated.

He said policing was a demanding profession that required sacrifice and dedication; saying “our officers must be well-regenerated, adequately housed, and given access to proper healthcare and psychological support”.

The President said a motivated police force was a productive police force and pointed out that the Ghana Police Service was a cornerstone of the nation’s democracy, and played an indispensable role in safeguarding its peace, ensuring law and order, and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.

“As we all know, security is the foundation of development. Without safety and stability, businesses cannot thrive. Children cannot go to school in peace, and our communities would not prosper,” he said.

He said it was for this reason that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service was of paramount importance.

“Your appointment as IGP comes at a time when the security landscape is rapidly evolving,” he said.

The President said traditional policing methods must be adapted to confront new and emerging threats and crimes.

“We face increasing incidents of violent crime, cybercrime, and fraud, as well as new forms of organized crime that demand sophisticated investigative techniques,” he stated.

He mentioned that additionally, the global security environment presented fresh challenges, from terrorism to transnational criminal networks, which required strong intelligence gathering and proactive law enforcement.

The President said Ghanaians had high expectations of the Police Service, and rightly so; declaring that ‘our people look to you for protection”.

He said Ghanaians want to see a police service that was not only professional and disciplined, but also one that was fair and just, and that they want to be reassured that when they report crimes, they receive a swift and impartial response.

He said they want to trust that the Police Service would act in their best interest, free from undue influence and without discrimination.

“To achieve this, IGP, your leadership must be rooted in integrity, discipline, and innovation.”

The President said the Ghana Police Service must continue to reform itself to meet the needs of our ever-changing society.

The President encouraged the new IGP to lead with vision, fairness, and unwavering commitment.

“Leadership is not just about authority, it is also about service. It is about inspiring those under your command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” he said.

“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 said as COP Yohunu takes on this immense responsibility, he had the full support of himself and his administration and the people of Ghana.

“We trust in your ability to build a police service that upholds justice, respects human dignity, and maintains peace across the length and breadth of our country.”

The President congratulated the new IGP on his appointment and prayed that he leads with wisdom, courage, and integrity.

President Mahama took the opportunity to also extend his deepest gratitude to the outgoing IGP, COP Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

He said, Dr Dampare had served the nation with dedication and commitment, and his contribution to law enforcement and national security would not be forgotten.

“We thank him for his service, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

The President urged the brave men and women of the Ghana Police Service to give their fullest cooperation to their new leader.

On his part, IGP Yohunu expressed his gratitude to the President for the honour bestowed on him by appointing him to the prestigious position as the IGP.

He said in alignment with the transformation and modernisation of the Service, he pledged to uphold the values, traditions, and culture of the Ghana Police Service, consistent with the resetting agenda of the President.

Source: GNA