
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has announced plans to lift the ban preventing police personnel from engaging with the media, a directive imposed by former IGP George Akuffo Dampare.
According to IGP Yohuno, addressing rising crime rates requires greater public cooperation, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community is crucial for effective policing.
Speaking at a workshop for Public Relations Officers (PROs) on Thursday, March 20, he emphasized the importance of transparency and open communication, revealing that all Regional PROs and Police Affairs offices would be reinstated and strengthened to facilitate better interactions with both the media and the public.
“No society can effectively combat crime without the support and collaboration of its people. This is why effective policing is a partnership that requires officers to work closely with the communities they serve to foster a safer and crime-free environment,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of police accountability, noting that public trust is vital to the success of law enforcement operations.
“At a time when the public demands greater accountability in our service delivery, a well-tested approach ensures police legitimacy and builds public confidence.
“This is where your significant role as Public Affairs Officers, enforcing positive interaction with the public, becomes essential and directly impacts police effectiveness.
“It is on this premise that the current police administration under my leadership will reactivate and revert all regional police affairs offices to interact and meet the evolving demands of our society and media partners,” he assured.
The move is expected to enhance police-community relations, improve crime reporting, and ensure greater transparency in police operations.