Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama says his government will ensure a reform of the police service should he be elected president in the December 7 general elections.

Addressing party faithfuls and sympathisers at a ceremony to commemorate the one year anniversary of the violence that characterised the Ayawaso by-elections, the former president bemoaned what he described as the “personalisation of state institutions” under the current Akufo-Addo led administration.

His comments were influenced by an alleged police wire message from the Greater Accra Regional office, sent out this morning directing officers in the region to “dissociate” themselves from the event held this morning or risk “severe sanctions.”

“Which professional police officer will send out a message like this? It shows the personalisation of the institutions of state that have taken place under the current NPP administration. Of course, the NDC is coming, we will reform the police.”

The former president after his comment cautioned police officers, telling them to be reminded that their dedication and duty is to the state and constitution. And in everything that they do, they must remain neutral and non-partisan.

“It is a very sorry day for the police service to issue a communique like this, asking all security personals: One not to provide security for the event and then two, to dissociate themselves from the event.

“I feel very sad, but I promise that we will take action when we come into office, to instil the confidence of the people of Ghana in the police service.

The motto of the police service is Service with Integrity, we will work to restore the integrity of the Ghana Police Service.” Exactly a year ago today, a by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Electoral Area meant to find a replacement for the late Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Boakye Agyarko was marred by violence.

The violence that erupted on that day resulted in several casualties even though there were no deaths recorded. The NDC whose members formed the majority of the victims of the December 31, 2019 violence held the ceremony today at the La Bawalashie Presby School to commemorate the incident.