The Inspector General of Police( IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno has reintroduced police regional communications to foster better coordination and information sharing among regional police units.
The move by the IGP represents a shift from the previous system where information from the Ghana Police Service (GPS)was centralised at its headquarters.
The IGP made the announcement in Accra on Thursday, March 20, 2025, during the opening of a three day workshop for public affairs officers to discuss ways to strengthen the Pubic Affairs Arm of the GPS .
“It is on this premise that the current Police
Administration, under my leadership, will reactivate and revive all Regional Police Public Affairs offices to interact and meet the ever-evolving demands of our society and media partners,” he stated.
As part of the initiative, the IGP urged regional Public Relations Officers (PROs) to be vigilant in combating disinformation and misinformation associated with the service.
“Senior police officers, ladies and gentlemen, it is important to note that policing is not merely a profession but a significant responsibility that demands accountability to the public.”
The IGP noted that building trust and collaboration with the community was crucial in combating crime, adding that officers should work closely with the communities they served to create a safe and crime-free environment.
“I must also emphasize that this collaboration extends beyond crime-fighting. It involves the development of robust interpersonal skills, requiring constant reassessment of our police-public relations frameworks,” he highlighted.
The IGP stressed that a tried-and-true approach was essential for fostering police legitimacy and bolstering public trust during times of heightened public scrutiny.
Mr Yohunu emphasized on the role of the media m in crime-fighting efforts and shaping public opinion, making it essential to engage with them in an intentional, professional, and instructive manner.
“In times when the public demands greater involvement and accountability in our service delivery, a well-tested approach ensures police legitimacy and builds public confidence.”
For her part , the Director of Public Affairs of the Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi expressed excitement about being part of the first batch of PROs addressed by the IGP and benefiting from a training workshop to enhance their skills.
ACP Ansah -Akrofi stated that effective communication between the police and the public was essential, with regional Public Relations officers serving as the primary bridge between law enforcement and the communities they served.
“As the police administration seeks to redefine the communication strategy and structures of the service, all of us as PR practitioners, are ready to work together, to harmonise our public communication,” she said .
The Director of Public Affairs said that the real work began when police personnel returned to their respective regions and started implementing what they had learned during the workshop engagement.
She urged the police service to ensure that their actions and public communication efforts worked towards building a Police Service that was trusted, respected, and valued.
Story by: Charles Mensah
