The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has urged officers of the Ghana Police Service to carry out law enforcement with full respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law, as the Service steps up operations across the country. His remarks came during the handing-over ceremony of 100 new police vehicles on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra.
The IGP framed the donation of the vehicles by the government as both a demonstration of confidence in the Police Service and a call for officers to match enhanced operational capacity with professionalism and accountability. He emphasized that the vehicles are operational tools to improve policing efficiency, not symbols of authority to be misused.
“Visibility must go with courtesy, mobility must go with restraint, and enforcement must go with respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Mr. Yohuno stated. He noted that while the new vehicles will allow the police to reach crime-prone and remote areas more effectively, officers must exercise restraint and ensure that all interventions comply with legal and ethical standards.
The IGP stressed that the modernization of the Police Service—including the provision of vehicles, communication equipment, and other logistics—reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening internal security and improving public confidence in law enforcement. However, he cautioned that resources alone are not enough; professionalism, discipline, and respect for citizens’ rights remain fundamental to effective policing.
He also reassured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to safeguarding lives, property, and national security, affirming that the force’s operational strategies will be guided by the principles of proportionality, accountability, and transparency.
“To the citizens of Ghana, this commissioning should serve as a reassurance that your safety remains a top priority of the government,” he said. “The police are being equipped to protect lives, property, and democratic values. Security is a shared responsibility, and we urge the public to partner with us by sharing information, cooperating with officers, and supporting lawful police operations.”
Mr. Yohuno’s remarks come amid a nationwide drive to enhance policing effectiveness, including increased visibility patrols, rapid response to emergencies, and interventions in high-risk areas prone to crime and traffic incidents. Analysts note that such operational intensification often raises concerns about potential human rights violations, making the IGP’s emphasis on lawful conduct particularly timely.
The IGP’s guidance underscores a broader philosophy within the Ghana Police Service, emphasizing that the use of force must always be justified, proportional, and necessary. Officers are reminded to document all enforcement actions, avoid arbitrary arrests, and maintain respectful engagement with communities.
Security experts have welcomed the IGP’s call, highlighting that enforcement that respects human rights can strengthen community trust, reduce public resistance to police operations, and enhance overall effectiveness. They argue that accountability and community partnership are key pillars for sustainable law enforcement in Ghana.
With the commissioning of the 100 pickup vehicles, the Police Service is expected to improve mobility across urban and rural areas, expedite response times to emergencies, and increase presence in underserved communities. While operational capacity is expanding, the IGP’s message serves as a reminder that policing must remain grounded in legality and human rights principles.
The ceremony also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the police and the public. Officers are encouraged to build strong community relations, while citizens are urged to actively participate in crime prevention by providing timely information and supporting lawful policing activities.
The IGP concluded by reiterating the Police Service’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting democratic values, and ensuring the safety of every citizen, emphasizing that enhanced resources like the new vehicles are meant to facilitate these goals, not compromise them.
In sum, the IGP’s address reinforced the principle that effective policing combines operational capacity with respect for human rights, community partnership, and adherence to legal standards—a message aimed at fostering both public confidence and accountability within the Ghana Police Service.
Source: Africa Publicity
