The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, today formally admitted 1,194 new police officers into the Ghana Police Service, charging them to confront complex modern security challenges with integrity and professionalism.

Speaking as the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Ceremony for the 2021 7th Batch at the National Police Training School (NPTS) in Tesano, Accra, Minister Mohammed delivered a message combining congratulations, stark warnings, and announcements of strategic reforms.

1. Congratulations & Commitment: Minister Mohammed conveyed warm wishes from H.E. President John Dramani Mahama to the recruits for successfully completing their rigorous training. He commended their smart turnout and impressive parade drill, stating it demonstrated “mental alertness and a sound mind in a sound body,” proving their readiness for service. “This clearly demonstrates your readiness to render quality service to our dear nation,” he stated.
2. Evolving Security Landscape:The Minister emphasised the “changing face of security in Ghana,” characterised by emerging complex and cyber-related crimes, communal conflicts, and evolving criminal methodologies. He stressed these demand “more diverse, complex, skilled and specialised” services from the Police.
3. Addressing Service Challenges:

Minister Mohammed acknowledged past difficulties within the Service, including a “dwindling manpower base” in specialised units and “all-time low” morale affecting commitment. He reported that the Police Administration, under IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has undertaken significant reviews and implemented measures to restore morale, refocus specialised units, and boost manpower. He cited positive results in combating recent violent crimes, acknowledged by President Mahama.
4. New Unit for 24-Hour Economy: A major announcement was the establishment of a new “24-Hour Economy Security Secretariat” at Police Headquarters. Minister Mohammed stressed the Police Service’s “cardinal role” in securing the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, ensuring citizens and workers are protected for legitimate pursuits day and night. This unit will coordinate security for

the policy’s implementation.

Charging the New Officers, the Minister urged the new officers to exhibit high competence, enforce the law firmly while respecting human rights, and uphold the Service motto: “Service with Integrity.” He reminded them they are “servants of the people,” emphasising the critical importance of police-public relations for building trust and gathering information. He warned against conduct that would “bring the service into disrepute.”

Touching on shared responsibility, Minister Mohammed concluded that security is a “shared responsibility,” calling on citizens to support and cooperate with the Police to combat crime and build a safer Ghana.

Recognition of Excellence: The Minister announced and congratulated the award

winners:
Overall National Best Officer & Best Cadet Officer (NPTS Accra):Police Woman Sergeant [Sophia Elikplim Dedjoe- (Prize: GHs 5,000.00 to complement the awrds given).
He also seized the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to General Recruit (G/R) Gartey Evans Kwasi of the Regional Poiice Training School-Koforidua for emergingas as the overall Best Recruit for placing 1st in recruits’ standard examination and with a cash amount of GHs 3,000.00
Overall Best Recruit (NPTS Accra): Recruit General Recruit David Ofori was also acknowledged by the Minister.

The Interior Minister also congratulated the Regional Police Training School, Koforidua for obtaining the average higher marks and emerging as the Best Performing School in the Standard

Examinations organised for the recruits

Formal Admission:
Minister Mohammed, “on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama,” formally declared the recruits duly admitted into the Ghana Police Service with “powers and responsibility in line with Section One of the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350).”

Award winners:
1. Police Woman Sergeant (PW|SGT) Sophia Elikplim Dedjoe
Overall Best Under Cardet (Academics)
(National Best Female)
2. General Recruit (G|R) Daniel Ofori
(Best Recruit-Academics)
3.G/R Francis Anokye Kodua
(Best in Drill)
4. Police Woman Recruit (PW/R) Sabina Adonteng

(Chief Officer’s Special Awards)
5 PW/R Rebecca Mansah Katako
(Best in Conduct)
6.G/R Benard Ntim Boakye
(Best in Motor Riding)
7.PW/R Adzokatse Lawrencia
(Best in Swimming)
8.G/R Kwadwo Adu Amankwaah
(Marksman)
9.G/R Abuga Barbara’s
(Best Physical Training)

The ceremony marked the culmination of the recruits’ training, which included comprehensive courses in Police Science, Law, Social Sciences, driving, swimming, public order management, and incident and disaster management. The Police Administration expressed confidence that this training has equipped them for their demanding mandate.

By Kingsley Asiedu