New dawn for GPS, advancing transparency, accountability, shared responsibility

Over the last four years, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has come under heavy criticisms from the public for trying to centralise information.

Ghanaians were largely denied regular briefings on crime trends, policing priorities, and operational updates.

That did not only deprive the media and the public from getting legitimate information from the service, it also tended to create an impression that the police's activities were shrouded in secrecy.

It was not surprising that immediately after the announcement of a new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, one of the first things he did was to back down on this policy, which was introduced by his predecessor, Dr George Akuffo-Dampare.

So far, Mr Yohuno's appointment is beginning to signal a return to core principles of democratic policing – transparency, accountability, professionalism, and community participation.

One of the most visible and commendable reforms under his tenure has been the immediate restoration of regular public briefings by the Public Affairs Directorate (PAD) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

This revival aligns with international best practices, where modern police institutions prioritise clear, timely, and accessible communication as a cornerstone of public accountability.

Globally, police forces that maintain open channels of communication, such as, the New York Police Department’s CompStat model or the UK's National Police Chiefs' Council briefings have had greater public confidence and operational efficiency.

Transparency does not only refer to publishing statistics; it also involves explaining police operations, clarifying controversial incidents, and being responsive to public concerns.

The GPS is now showing commitment to providing periodic updates on crime statistics, ongoing investigations, security assessments, and strategic interventions.

Those updates are being disseminated through traditional media, digital platforms, and regional or community outreach events.

Regional commanders and public relations officers (PROs) have now been authorised to engage directly with the communities they serve.

This empowerment is in line with the “local accountability” approach used in policing systems across Europe and North America, where local police leaders build community relationships, respond quickly to incidents, and provide updates on regional developments.

By encouraging regional officers to hold town halls, community meetings, and media briefings, the GPS is strengthening its presence at the grassroot level. This approach recognises the importance of local knowledge and community insight in shaping effective security responses.

The police administration’s openness to feedback and willingness to be held accountable –whether through media interactions or town hall meetings, signals a maturing institution that is adapting to the demands of modern democratic governance.

These principles are also consistent with international norms, such as, those outlined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, and the African Union’s African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF).

These bodies emphasise that professional police services must be transparent, accountable, community-oriented, and governed by the rule of law.

Security is a shared responsibility.

Community members, civil society organisations (CSOs), religious leaders, traditional authorities, and the media all have a role to play in supporting the work of the police while also holding them accountable.

Citizens must continue to engage with their local police, report crimes, participate in community patrols, and speak up against wrongdoing.

The media must maintain its watchdog role by verifying information, contextualizing police actions and avoiding sensationalism while CSOs continue to advocate for protection of human rights, fair policing, and institutional accountability.

Transformation being witnessed, must not be seen as the goal, but rather the beginning of a longer journey toward a police service that is responsive, trustworthy, and committed to the values of democracy and justice.

The past three months under Mr Yohuno have demonstrated what is possible when visionary leadership meets institutional commitment, and it is clear that his administration is on a path of reform that reflects the best traditions of international policing.

The challenge now is to sustain this momentum and deepening the gains.

With consistent public engagement, continuous training of officers, enhanced internal oversight mechanisms, and strong community partnerships, the GPS can evolve into one of Africa's most respected public institutions.

Let's support the GPS—not blindly, but responsibly. Let us participate in shaping the kind of policing we all want.

Neenyi Essiful,
Accra.