Ghana is safer now than before — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana is safer now than it was previously, pointing to a reduction in unresolved murder cases and improved security on the country’s highways.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex, an 85-bed facility at the Ghana Police Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the President commended the Ghana Police Service for what he described as its good work under Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

He specifically praised the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Police Intelligence Department and the Police Cyber Unit for their efforts in fighting crime.

“Our country is safer today than it was before. I wish to repeat the testimony of a bus driver who said that before, they had to queue and were afraid to travel at night because of highway robbery.

"He says today, anytime the bus is full, even at 2 a.m., they take off because the roads are safer.

"We also have a reduction in unresolved murders,” President Mahama said.

He said the improved security situation was encouraging and contributed to Ghana’s reputation as one of the safest countries in West Africa.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the IGP and other senior officials of the Ghana Police Service.

Police accommodation and logistics

President Mahama said the newly inaugurated facility represented a significant investment in the health and welfare of police personnel while strengthening the hospital’s capacity to serve the wider public.

He assured the Police Service of continued government support and announced plans to address accommodation challenges confronting personnel.

The President said he had directed the Minister of Finance to make provision of GH¢300 million in the 2027 Budget for the construction of 250 new apartments for police personnel to ease congestion in some barracks.

He also recalled that the government handed over 50 armoured vehicles to the Police Service in December last year, adding that another 40 armoured vehicles would be delivered in the coming weeks.

Additional body armour was also being procured to provide greater protection for officers engaged in operational duties, he said.

Police Hospital expansion

On the long-delayed Police Hospital expansion project, President Mahama said Cabinet had terminated the 22-year-old contract following prolonged disagreements with the contractor and escalating project costs.

He said he had directed the Finance Minister to provide approximately GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete the project.

According to him, the expansion would add 106 beds to the hospital, increasing its total bed capacity to more than 300.

The completed project will include a 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU), a new accident and emergency centre, 11 consulting rooms and four paediatric consulting rooms.

It will also have MRI and CT scan equipment, three general surgical theatres, an orthopaedic theatre, an endoscopy unit and a 222-capacity mortuary.

“We are going to complete it ourselves and bring it into service before the end of next year,” he said.

The President further donated two new ambulances to the Police Hospital to strengthen emergency response and support the newly commissioned ward complex.

Mental health support for officers

President Mahama disclosed that seven police officers who were injured in the line of duty in Bunkprugu were receiving treatment at the new facility after being transported to Accra.

He said the necessary facilities for their care were available at the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex.

The President also emphasised the importance of mental health support for police officers, noting that repeated exposure to violence, tragedy and distress could have lasting effects on their wellbeing.

He called for counselling and treatment services to be made accessible to officers without fear or stigma.

Mahama urges proper maintenance

President Mahama charged the management of the Police Hospital to maintain the highest standards of hygiene, patient safety and clinical practice.

He also urged the facility to ensure regular servicing of equipment, adequate availability of medicines and consistent maintenance of the new ward complex.

“The value of this facility will be measured by the quality of care that it delivers and by how well it is maintained over time,” he said.

He thanked the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and support staff for their contribution and urged them to treat patients with dignity, compassion and respect.