The removal of former Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has brought to light certain issues within the Ghana Police Service.

During Dampare's tenure, several new initiatives and policies were introduced, with many praising and commending some of these efforts for their impact and effectiveness.

Despite some of his positive initiatives, one major policy that sparked widespread disapproval and protest was the centralisation of communication between the police and media.

What does it mean?

Under the police communication strategy, the centralised system required all information from the hinterlands, communities, districts, and regions to be sent to and held at the police headquarters in Accra.

This approach was designed to streamline the flow of information and prevent misinformation. Additionally, the centralised system meant that the police Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the headquarters handles direct communication with the media and the public, relieving district PROs of these responsibilities.

Backlash

This development, however, faced public backlash as many saw the initiative as limiting the work of some police officers trained to handle police communications.

Critics, primarily from the media and expert circles, called for a return to the old decentralised communication system. They argued that the previous system allowed for easier access to information from police communicators in the regions, districts, and other localities, facilitating quicker and more direct communication.

Notable personalities who have kicked against the initiative include Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA); Samson Anyenini, and Afia Pokuaa, among others.

Private legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Anyenini, has urged the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to immediately discontinue the centralised police communication system introduced by the immediate past IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

The development was seen as limiting the work of police officers trained to handle police communications.

Commenting on the issue in a post on Facebook, Samson Lardy Anyenini, who is also a broadcaster, urged COP Tetteh Yohuno to allow police officers trained in public communication to freely perform the duties for which taxpayers pay them.

"Pray – Dear IGP, quickly dismantle the centralized police communication introduced by Dampare. We did everything, but he refused to change it. Let those close to the action be the ones to speak, and not a PR officer sitting in Accra, far removed from the issues the people seek information about. Let them interact and take questions, not just issue statements from Accra," he said.

What lies ahead?

With the appointment of a new IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Ghanaians are eager to see whether the centralised communication system will be reverted to the decentralised system, or if the new system will be maintained.

Many Ghanaians have expressed optimism about Yohuno's administration and the potential reforms he may implement across the police service.

MAG/AE

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