President Mahama hails IGP Yohunu for sterling performance
President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Mr Christian Tetteh Yohunu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for his sterling performance in maintaining peace, security and ensuring professionalism within the Police Service.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Divisional Police Headquarters at Laasi, Krobo-Odumase in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, the President commended the IGP, his leadership and the Police Management Board for their dedication to transforming the Police Service.
“This Police Management team has been on fire, they don’t make too much noise, but they are very effective.” The President said.
“Your shift towards intelligence-led policing is both timely and necessary. In an era where crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, our response must also equally be dynamic and forward-looking.”
President Mahama also lauded the Police Intelligence Team; saying, “I say, Ayekoo to you too. Your intelligence has become very critical in the success of the Police Administration.”
“We must invest in technologies, strengthen data systems and empower our officers with the skills and tools required to stay ahead of criminal elements.”
He said, however, beyond technology and infrastructure, the true strength of their Police Service laid in its offices.
“To the officers who will serve in this facility, you carry the trust of the guardian people,” he stated.
“That trust must be protected and nurtured through professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of the people you serve.”
The President again thanked the IGP and the Police Management Board for the incentives that they give to the Police officers who go over and above their sense of duty to be able to tackle criminals.
He said he noticed that when they had done something extraordinary, they arranged them at the Police Headquarters, decorated and promoted them.
“I think that this is a very good incentive. And so, the Police officers know that if they do their duty well and go above and beyond duty, they shall be noticed and they shall be rewarded,” the President said
President Mahama said policing was not merely about enforcing the law; saying “it is about serving humanity. It is about fairness. It is about integrity and the courage to do what is right at all times.”
He said his government would continue to support the Police Service, but they also expect the highest standards of conduct in return.
He said recently, several Police officers across the country took the exams to enter the Police College for training to become senior officers in the service and that the cut-off mark was placed at 53 per cent.
He said those who got 53 per cent and above were 700 officers; however, there was another batch who got between 50 and 53.
“It means that they passed, but they did not meet the cut-off mark. They were also another 300 of them. And so, I asked the IGP to add the 300 to the 700. So, all of them who got about 50 per cent will go to the Police Service College.” President Mahama said.
To Nene Sakite II, the Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, the chiefs and people of Krobo Land, the President noted that the Divisional Police Headquarters facility belonged to them.
“Security is a shared responsibility. The effectiveness of this is that headquarters will depend not only on the officers who serve here in this building but also on your cooperation and your support,” he said.
“I encourage you to work closely with the Police Service, provide timely information, and actively participate in community policing initiatives.
“Together we can create an environment where crime has no place and where peace and development can flourish.”
He said, looking ahead, the government would continue to invest in infrastructure logistics and human resource development within the Police Service.
He said they would deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The President said they would strengthen collaboration among all security agencies to ensure a coordinated, effective approach to national security and that they would continue to uphold the rule of law as a cornerstone of the nation’s democracy.