In a decisive move aimed at bolstering community safety, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has ended the communication embargo that once limited police spokespersons. Addressing a workshop for the Ghana Police Service’s public relations officers (PROs), IGP Yohuno stressed the importance of clear and strategic dialogue with the media, asserting that robust communication is key to fostering public trust and reinforcing crime-fighting efforts.

He explained that effective policing is inherently a partnership, reliant on active collaboration between officers and the communities they serve. “No society can successfully combat crime without the trust and engagement of its people,” he noted, emphasizing that community involvement is essential to create a safer, crime-free environment.

Highlighting the evolving demands of both society and the media, IGP Yohuno underlined the necessity for professional and tactical communication. “In an era where the public expects greater accountability and involvement in our service, a proven communication strategy not only solidifies police legitimacy but also enhances public confidence,” he added. This approach, he said, directly contributes to the overall effectiveness of the police force.

IGP Yohuno further acknowledged the influential role of the media in shaping public perceptions of law enforcement. He called for a deliberate and professional engagement with media representatives, recognizing that constructive media relations are pivotal in supporting crime-fighting initiatives.

This new directive marks a significant shift from the previous policy under former IGP George Akuffo Dampare, who, since his appointment in 2021, had maintained a centralized communication system. Dampare’s approach restricted regional and district officers from engaging with the media, with information primarily disseminated through the Public Affairs unit via social media platforms, thereby limiting interviews and press briefings. Despite ongoing media and stakeholder criticisms, the earlier communication strategy remained in place until now.

By lifting the restrictions, IGP Yohuno is setting a new course for more transparent and dynamic interactions between the police and the media, reinforcing the idea that effective law enforcement is a shared responsibility between the police and the public.