Mahama swears in police council, cautions against politicization of promotions

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the newly sworn-in Police Council to serve as a beacon of impartiality and professionalism, cautioning that political interference and favoritism within the Ghana Police Service have undermined morale and eroded public confidence.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidency on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, President Mahama challenged the Council, led by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to usher in a new era of integrity, fairness, and accountability within the security service.

Highlighting long-standing concerns such as arbitrary promotions, biased postings, and disregard for the chain of command, the President stressed that such practices have left both junior and senior officers feeling neglected and demoralized. Simultaneously, public perception of the police has grown increasingly cynical.

President Mahama reminded the council that its responsibility was more than ceremonial. Its duty to oversee discipline, welfare, and operational efficiency within the police service, he said, must be carried out with resolve and a sense of national duty.

In alignment with his administration’s broader RESET agenda, which aims to elevate standards across public institutions, Mr Mahama pledged full government backing for reforms in the Police Service. These include investments in logistical support, improved housing, and mental health services for officers.

A large-scale retooling programme, he revealed, would soon be rolled out to better equip police personnel for their roles better. He also acknowledged recent gains in security operations but stressed the need for more targeted intelligence, particularly in tracking down perpetrators of unresolved crimes in volatile regions.

In his closing remarks, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to engage with the Council on its concerns and back every lawful action taken in pursuit of professionalism and national order.