In a move welcomed by the media and civil society, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has announced the revocation of a ban that restricted information dissemination to the public solely through the Ghana Police Headquarters.
The decision marks a significant shift from the policy of his predecessor, former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, who had centralized information flow, requiring regional commanders and senior officers to channel all updates through the Public Affairs Directorate.
During a workshop for Public Relations Officers (PROs) on Thursday, March 20, IGP Yohuno emphasized the importance of prompt information circulation and transparency in modern policing.
He outlined plans to reactivate and equip all regional PROs and Police Affairs offices to enhance communication and interaction with the media and the public.
“No society can effectively combat crime without the support and collaboration of its people. Effective policing is a partnership that requires officers to work closely with the communities they serve to foster a safer and crime-free environment,” IGP Yohuno stated.
He further highlighted the critical role of public affairs officers in ensuring accountability and building public trust. “At a time when the public demands greater accountability in our service delivery, a well-tested approach ensures police legitimacy and builds public confidence,” he added.
The previous policy, implemented under IGP Dampare, had been widely criticized by the media and civil society organizations, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), as a form of information suppression. Critics argued that officers closer to crime scenes should be empowered to provide firsthand updates and engage directly with the media to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
IGP Yohuno’s decision to lift the ban reflects a commitment to fostering stronger relationships between the police and the communities they serve. “It is on this premise that the current police administration under my leadership will reactivate and revert all regional police affairs offices to interact and meet the evolving demands of our society and media partners,” he assured.
The move is expected to enhance transparency, improve public trust, and strengthen collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the media.
By decentralizing information dissemination, the police aim to provide more accurate and timely updates on crime and other public interest issues.
This policy shift has been hailed as a positive step toward modernising policing in Ghana, aligning with global best practices that emphasize community engagement and accountability.