GJA applauds IGP Yohuno for restoring Police-media engagement

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for lifting restrictions on police-media engagements—a policy introduced under his predecessor, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, COP Yohuno revoked the communication embargo previously imposed on police spokespersons, encouraging a more proactive and transparent engagement with the media. Speaking at a workshop for the Ghana Police Service's Public Relations Officers (PROs), he underscored the critical role of effective communication in building public trust and enhancing crime-fighting efforts.

“No society can effectively combat crime without the trust and collaboration of its people,” he said. “Effective policing is a partnership—one that requires officers to work closely with the communities they serve to foster a safer and crime-free environment.”

GJA welcomes the reform

Reacting to the development on TV3’s Ghana Today programme on Thursday, March 20, Edmund Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the GJA, hailed the move as a crucial step towards improving transparency and public confidence in the police service.

He noted that the previous restrictions had centralised police communication, limiting timely access to crucial information. According to him, such an approach hindered the free flow of information essential for democratic governance and public accountability.

“The decision to decentralise police communication is commendable. It will not only strengthen the relationship between the media and the police but also ensure that journalists can access critical information directly from regional and divisional police commanders without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” he stated.

Mr Yeboah stressed that in a democratic society, law enforcement agencies must operate with openness, allowing the media to play its role in informing the public accurately and fairly. He argued that the previous approach stifled press freedom and undermined journalists' ability to report effectively on security matters.

Ensuring institutional commitment

He further urged the police administration to institutionalise the reform, ensuring that officers at all levels understand the importance of professional and cooperative engagement with the media.

At the same time, he called on journalists to uphold ethical standards in their reporting to maintain mutual respect between the two institutions.