The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has underscored a renewed focus on professionalism and integrity within the Ghana Police Service (GPS), promising that officers’ conduct and promotions are now guided by merit rather than illicit gains.
Addressing recent reforms, the IGP stated that corruption within the service was being confronted decisively. He warned that any attempt to bribe a police officer would result in disgrace, as officers are now prioritising career advancement through hard work.
“I can assure you that if you attempt to bribe a police officer, he will disgrace you. He wants promotion,” Mr Yohuno said.
The remarks came during a presentation in Accra by Ghanaian gospel musician Grace Ashly, who performed a special song dedicated to the police service.
Highlighting the positive impact of recent reforms, the IGP said the era of posthumous promotions had ended. Timely recognition and improved incentives, he noted, had boosted morale across the service. Commending officers for their dedication, Mr Yohuno singled out regional commanders and personnel for their exemplary performance over the past year, which he said had contributed to the country’s relative calm and security.
“This is just the beginning,” he said, assuring that further measures would be taken to maintain peace and safety. He added that the GPS is positioning itself to become one of the world’s leading police services, restoring an image that future generations of officers would uphold.
“We want our glory back,” he said, emphasizing that the service aims to earn the trust and respect of every Ghanaian, from small villages to major cities.
Mr Yohuno also expressed gratitude to Mrs Ashly for her tribute. Known for composing songs for the Black Stars and other national themes, she said creating a piece for the GPS was a challenge but timely. The IGP described the gesture as a morale booster that would be valued across the service.
Mrs Ashly shared that her song was inspired by a personal encounter with the police. One night, while working alone on her music, she found herself in a frightening situation and reached out to the GPS.
“What I received was more than help. I received comfort,” she recalled.
She explained that the experience revealed the crucial role the police play in protecting not only lives but also dreams and creativity.
“The Ghana Police Service not only safeguarded my life, but they also preserved the dream, the voice and the song that Ghana had not yet heard,” she said.
Mrs Ashly commended the service for remaining steadfast amid evolving security threats, citing recent successes such as dismantling a human trafficking network in Ho, intercepting a major narcotics shipment in Tema, and apprehending a notorious highway robbery syndicate this year. She also referenced prior operations, including Operation Cobra in September 2025, arrests of human trafficking suspects in Ashaiman, armed robbery arrests in Tema, weapons trafficking busts in the Northern Region, and CID-led murder and robbery arrests between 2024 and 2025.
The musician further praised the service’s efforts to combat cybercrime and financial fraud through international collaboration.
“These efforts remind us that policing is not merely a profession, but a calling that demands vigilance, sacrifice and courage,” she said, according to a Graphic online report.
She described the song as more than music, portraying it as a message of gratitude, encouragement, and solidarity with officers whose sacrifices often go unrecognized. Mrs Ashly concluded by saluting the IGP for his leadership and extending her appreciation to the police management board and all GPS personnel.
