The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has commended the Ghana Police Service for its renewed efforts in enhancing internal security and professionalism in response to the country’s evolving crime landscape.
This praise came during a passing-out parade held at the National Police Training School in Accra, Friday, where newly trained recruits were officially inducted into the service.
Addressing the ceremony, Mohammed Muntaka emphasised the growing demands on law enforcement officers in the light of increasing incidents of violent and cyber-related crime, communal conflicts and evolving criminal tactics.
“The changing face of security in Ghana continues to place a huge demand on our personnel to deliver services that are more complex, skilled and specialised,” the Minister noted, adding “We are in a time where the public’s legitimate demand for peace, safety and order must be met with renewed commitment and resilience.”
The Minister lauded the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohono, under whose tenure the service has undergone a comprehensive review of its operational capabilities.
He cited notable gains in fighting violent crime and improving morale and discipline within the force.
The Minister for the Interior stressed the importance of specialisation within the service, revealing that several initiatives have been launched to recruit and train personnel for specialised units.
This move, he said, is necessary due to a dwindling manpower base and the need for officers equipped to respond to Ghana’s 24-hour economy and emerging security challenges.
“In line with the government’s flagship 24-hour economy agenda, a new unit, the 24-Hour Economy Security Secretariat has been established to oversee the security aspects of its implementation,” he announced.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of institutional progress but also an opportunity to honour outstanding individuals.
Policewoman Sergeant Digital Sophia of the National Police Training School was awarded the overall best cadet officer, receiving a GH¢5,000 cash prize from the Minister and other prizes from sponsors.
General Recruit Garte Evans Kwesi from the Regional Police Training School in Koforidua also received GH¢3,000 and other things for emerging as the best recruit.
The Minister praised the recruits for their discipline, smart turnout and impressive display of drill formations, stating that their readiness to serve was evident in both their physical and academic preparation.
The training programme, he noted, combined police science, law, social science and practical field exercises, including driving, swimming, and public order management.
“Let your conduct reflect the high standards of the Ghana Police Service. The badge on your chest is not a license to intimidate but a pledge to serve with courage, humility and integrity,” he reminded the graduates.
In conclusion, Mohammed Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s gratitude to the police service and its partners for their efforts and sacrifices.
He called on all Ghanaians to support the police through accountability, cooperation, and information sharing, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
“Together, we can build a safer and more secure Ghana,” he said, before officially declaring the recruits as duly admitted into the Ghana Police Service under Section 1 of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350).
A total of 1,194 recruits graduated – 633 females and 561 males. The event was attended by senior police officers, government officials, family members of the recruits and dignitaries from across the country.
It marked a significant milestone in the service’s mission to enhance security and public confidence in law enforcement.
545 Police Recruits Pass Out in Kumasi
Meanwhile Ernest Best Anane reports from Kumasi that Five hundred and forty-five (545) new police recruits have passed out at the Ashanti Regional Police Training School at Patase in Kumasi to serve in the Ghana Police Service.The new recruits comprise 298 females and 247 males.
COP Dr. Ernest Kwabena Owusu, Director General in charge of Services speaking at the passing out event tasked them to exhibit a high level of competence to complement the confidence that the citizens repose in the service.
The Director-General advised them to always exhibit their competence in order to live up to the public trust, expectations, while enforcing the law fairly with outmost respect for the citizens and their human rights.
He disclosed that a special security unit has been established at the Police Headquarters to support the government’s flagship policy 24-hour economy agenda to provide adequate security in that direction and emphasized that the Ghana Police Service has a cardinal role to play to provide the needed security to ensure that the citizenry and everyone are well protected at all times.
He said the Police Administration had established a new unit at the Headquarters known as the 24-Hour Economy Security Secretariat to support this effort, and urged the recruits to serve with humility, integrity and diligence.
Dr. Owusu also cautioned them against intimidating the public and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold peace and order and promote law and order as well as ensuring public trust in the service.
