The new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has lifted the communication ban that his predecessor, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, had placed on a number of police spokespersons, marking a dramatic change in policy.
It is anticipated that this action will mark the beginning of a new age of police-media collaboration.
While speaking at a workshop for the Ghana Police Service’s public relations officers (PROs), IGP Yohuno stressed the importance of good communication in building public trust and strengthening crime-fighting initiatives.
“No society can effectively combat crime without the trust and collaboration of its people,” he stressed.
“This is why effective policing is a partnership—one that requires officers to work closely with the communities they serve to foster a safer and crime-free environment.”
IGP Yohuno also highlighted the evolving demands of society and the media, underscoring the importance of professional and strategic communication in maintaining police legitimacy and public confidence.
“In times when the public demands greater involvement and accountability in our service delivery, a well-tested approach ensures police legitimacy and boosts public confidence,” he explained.
The new IGP’s approach marks a significant departure from that of his predecessor, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, who had imposed a centralized approach to information flow.
Under Dampare’s dictatorial leadership, no officer at the regional or district level could speak to issues with the media, and even at the national headquarters, information flow was extremely difficult.
The media and other stakeholders had complained about the restrictive approach and requested a shift to the existing communication channels, but Dampare was adamant.
The new IGP’s decision to lift the embargo is therefore seen as a welcome move.
IGP Yohuno emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public perceptions of law enforcement and influencing crime-fighting efforts.
“Over the years, the media has been a key stakeholder in crime-fighting efforts and has influenced public perceptions of our work in numerous ways,” he noted.
“Therefore, it is imperative that our engagement with the media be intentional, professional, and instructive.”
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) had previously demanded a reversal of the police’s “media blackout” imposed by George Akuffo Dampare.
The new IGP’s decision is therefore seen as a positive response to the GJA’s demands.
