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Policing in Ghana: (Some Questions My Views)
Is the Ghana Police Service (GPS) in need of reform? If yes, what kind of reforms?
Undoubtedly, the Police Service in Ghana performs one of the most key, essential and important service to the nation. But the idea of a reform; my answer is Yes, the Ghana Police Service needs reform but, this will demand a more holistic approach and a need for a survey/research to ensure an effective police reform (institutional, legislative and structural reforms).
What positive changes have been made to the GPS?
One laudable initiative I will commend is the establishment of The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), formerly Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU).
What challenges do they face?
From my point of view as a civilian, one major challenge our police force is facing currently will be the issue of complexities in ensuring societal order and control, Why do I say this; most often our police is confronted with the dilemma of protecting the liberties and rights of the individual while at the same time maintaining peace and public order in a social and democratic setting for the benefit of the entire nation.
Although, some interventions have been made in the present conditions of Service for the police, there is still the problem of in-adequate equipment, logistics and low salary motivation is still very/almost nil. Hence, I will use this opportunity and appeal to all stakeholders to address this issue.
What do you think of informal security measures in Ghana, for instance vigilante gangs?
Informal security measures in Ghana is welcomed but the ‘lines’ needs to be drawn straight to enable them perform their operations efficiently.
Who shares the role of policing in this country?
The Ghana Police Service has a statutory responsibility to protect life and property and ensure the due maintenance of law and order throughout the territorial boundaries of the country. These functions are performed within the broad framework of Article 200 (3) of the 1992 Constitution and the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350). In view of this one can infer that the police is mandated by our constitution but the society they serve also has a role to play for effectual service delivery.
What is the publics role in policing?
There is no doubt that it is also a responsibility for every individual/public within the territorial boundaries of the country to share in the role of policing, one way this can be done is to be law abiding and have an in-depth knowledge policing.
How does the GPS fare in communicating with the public?
Police-public relations in the country currently is not the very best and several reasons account for this for instance on the part of the public there is a great sense of discomfort and mistrust for the police service.
Do you know your rights upon arrest? (What are they?)
Which crimes do you think the police should focus on? What are your biggest concerns? One major crime I would want the police to tackle is curbing corruption for it’s a disheartening task that requires not just the police but a strong political will, institutional reforms, and formation of international partnerships.
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Writer Profile
Cyril France
Cyril Nii-Offei France is a Development Management student and the Student Representative Council (SRC) Financial Secretary of Ghana Christian University College (GCUC). Mr. France has been zealous in finding sustainable solutions to local and global maladies. Mr. France had the opportunity to engage in mainstream youth-led development such as attending the West Africa Regional Workshop on Youth in Civic Engagement, sponsored by the World Bank Ghana office and subsequently contributed immensely to the E-Consultation on Youth Participation in Poverty Reduction Strategies hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the World Bank Institute.
Mr. France’s audacious and selfless dedication to serve and lead local communities work out their future in a manner that does not compromise the shared benefits for future generations, impelled him to undertake numerous community-based projects with youth-led organizations such as Global Youth Action Network - Ghana, Youth Realities Network, Youth Action Movement, Student World Assembly, among others. Some achievements from this sphere include, Project Coordinator for the Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) 2008, as the National Lead Agency in Ghana. As a key team player Mr. France has worked on several youth-development committee’s and events such as planning committee member responsible for external liaison during the 3dr Annual Student World Assembly, International Convention in Ghana at the University of Ghana, Legon and the 2007 Jubilee Youth Leaders’ Summit at Kumasi.
Mr. Frances’ notable achievements paved the way for his selection to represent his school and country at the 2009 International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway, he also gave two separate presentations at the 2008 World Youth Congress in Quebec, Canada, and subsequent he was a Rapporteur for the UN-HABITAT’s 2008 World Urban Youth Forum in Nanjing, China. Being part of these global youth engagements augmented his knowledge in emerging social issues, youth-led development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Presently, Mr. France is the Founder and Executive Coordinator of Youth Path, a youth-led development agency.
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