By Iddi Yire
Accra, June 10, GNA – Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has taken office as Chairperson of the Police Council, pledging to lead it with transparency, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the rule of law.
The Police Council, established by the 1992 Constitution, advises the President on internal security, including services role, budgeting, finance, administration, and promotions of police officers above the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
It also has the power to make regulations with the President’s prior approval, for the effective administration of the Police Service.
The inauguration of the 10-member Police Council was performed by President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.
“I’m deeply honoured to accept the responsibility entrusted to me as Chairperson of the Police Council,” the Vice-President said.
She, on behalf of the Council members, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them.
“I accept this role not as a privilege, but as a solemn duty to the people of our nation, and to the men and women of integrity who serve in our police service.”
She said the inauguration was taking place at a time that demanded a resetting of the police service, with a focus on principled leadership, clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and to public service.
“The work of the Police Council is not ceremonial. This is a moral and strategic compass meant to guide the integrity, professionalism, and transformation of our law enforcement institutions. This responsibility is a serious one,” she said.
The Vice President noted that the Council’s decisions would impact the safety of citizens, the morale of officers, and the trust between law enforcement and the public.
She said the Council Members would work to ensure that the nation’s Police Service was empowered, well-trained, accountable and well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of modern democratic policing.
“We must promote a culture where the uniform is a symbol of honour, not fear. We must work to foster trust between the police and the communities they serve, emphasizing community policing, human rights, and no tolerance to the abuse of power,” the Vice President said.
“Discipline within the service will be firm and fair, and every officer will be held to the highest standard of conduct.”
The Vice President said the police service was the front line of national security and the face of justice in the communities.
She noted that the Police Service deserved leadership that would support its mission to serve and protect.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang said undue delays in promotions, unfair treatment and discrimination, as well as unjustified grievances in the Police Service, would be put under scrutiny as part of their resetting agenda.
“To the citizens of our country, we serve you. Your safety, your rights, and your confidence in our police service will always be at the centre of our work,” she said.
“I trust that all of us will contribute to building a safer, fairer, and a more just Ghana.”
To her fellow Council Members, the Vice President said: “let us be united in purpose and bound by duty”.
She said the path ahead might be challenging, but she was confident that with resolve, integrity, and collective wisdom, they would rise to the occasion as expected by the President.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie