With humility and a deep sense of duty, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, delivered a powerful honoree lecture, themed “The evolving role of the Ghana Police Service in a modern democratic society” at the 2025 convocation lecture series of the Accra Metropolitan University on Saturday, 19th July 2025
Having been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Honoris Causa, the IGP dedicated the honour not just to himself, but to every gallant officer of the Ghana Police Service who, day and night, in times of crisis and calm, put the safety and security of the nation above all else. ”This moment affirms the idea that valid reward comes not from what we seek for ourselves, but from what we commit to selflessly, with integrity and purpose,” he reflected.
From Colonial Origins to a Service for the People,
The IGP Yohuno traced the evolution of the Police Service, originally formed in 1894 as the Gold Coast Constabulary to protect colonial interests, and how it transformed over the decades. After independence in 1957, the Ghana Police Force began to redefine its mission. But political instability, particularly under military regimes, often compromised its neutrality, prioritising regime security over human security.
“The dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1992 was a turning point,” he noted. With a new Constitution came a mandate for the Police to serve citizens, not governments, supported by oversight mechanisms like the Police Council and parliamentary scrutiny.
Professionalism, Reforms and a Broader Mandate
Over the years, the Ghana Police Service has moved from a force of coercion to a service of protection and partnership, guided by: The establishment of the Police Command and Staff College, Human-rights-focused training modules, and the creation of specialised units: Cybercrime, Anti-Human Trafficking, Counter-Terrorism, Marine Police, SWAT, and DOVVSU, and the introduction of National Policing Standards in 2010, monitored through annual audits.
“Today, our work spans from cybercrime to human trafficking, from terrorism to domestic violence,” he explained, stressing the growing complexity of crime.
Personal Encounters and the Reality of Modern Crimes
The IGP candidly shared personal encounters with fraudsters, including impersonation and mobile money scams, to illustrate the adaptive and often invisible nature of modern crime.
“These experiences reveal how sophisticated and resilient criminal networks have become, even operating from prisons,” he shared, adding that the Service’s commitment to trace, arrest, and prosecute remains unwavering.
Community Policing and Technology: A New Era
Community Policing Forums (CPFs), introduced in 2003, have helped rebuild public trust, while technological upgrades, such as real-time digital crime mapping, mobile data terminals, and forensic lab expansions, have transformed police work. Social media platforms and GHPolice TV now serve as direct channels for crisis communication and citizen engagement.
“By involving citizens directly, we’ve shifted from top-down enforcement to partnership and shared responsibility,” the IGP noted.
Neutrality, elections and Upholding Democracy
IGP CT Yohuno, underscored that the true test of a democratic Police Service is how it manages elections. Through Election Security Task Forces, CCTV surveillance, and close collaboration with stakeholders, Ghana has maintained relative electoral peace in recent cycles.
“The Police do not support electoral violence under any circumstances,” he stressed, assuring the public of ongoing investigations into recent incidents like the Ablekuma North re-run.
Vision for the Future: SMART and Citizen-Centred
Looking ahead, the IGP outlined an ambitious vision: A Real-Time Crime Centre integrating CCTV, AI, and data analytics by 2025, A citizen mobile app for reporting crimes and tracking case progress, Stronger collaborations with academia, ECOWAS, INTERPOL, and civil society and Regular Human Rights Impact Assessments before major operations
“We must build a Police Service that is smart, responsive, and rooted in public trust,” he affirmed.
Honouring Officers and Calling for Collective Responsibility
The IGP, Christian Tetteh Youno, paid tribute to the men and women in uniform, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice, and called on the public, policymakers, and future leaders to support the journey ahead.
“Let this honour serve as a reminder of why we serve. Not as instruments of fear, but as guardians of freedom, dignity, and justice,” he concluded.
In thanking the President, Minister for the Interior, Police Management Board, his family, and all officers, the IGP dedicated the honorary degree to every police officer whose quiet heroism keeps Ghana safe.
“To the youth of Ghana, hold steadfast to discipline, integrity, and purpose. Let your contributions help shape the Ghana we all aspire to,” he urged
A Moment of Reflection, Vision and Hope
Through this honour and his words, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno reminded Ghana that true policing is not just about power but about service, partnership, and unwavering commitment to democratic values.
By Peter Quao Adattor
