President Mahama Hands Over 40 Armoured Vehicles to Police, Vows Ghana Will ‘Never Surrender a Single Street to Criminals’

President John Dramani Mahama has praised the Ghana Police Service for what he described as unprecedented improvements in crime-fighting and national security, as he handed over 40 advanced armoured vehicles to the service on Thursday, 4th December, 2025.

Speaking at the ceremony, President lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Police Management Board, and officers across the ranks for their “dedication, courage and increasing professionalism” in confronting crime nationwide.

“You can run, you can hide anywhere, but we will come after you,” he recalled the IGP as saying, describing the statement as “very motivational.”

Mahama noted that the police have made significant gains in combating highway robbery, armed attacks on homes, and bank-related crimes. “Our highways are getting safer because you’ve taken on the highway robbers and you have dealt with them,” he said. “People who rob banks and attack residences — you have chalked many victories in bringing them to justice.”

He also commended the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for solving several previously unresolved murder cases. “In the past, there were many unsolved murders. I’m happy to note that recently, many of those cases have been cracked with good police intelligence,” he stated.

More Equipment on the Way

Mahama announced that the 40 vehicles — consisting of 15 armoured pickups, five Cobra 4 units and 20 Cobra 3 special armoured vehicles — represent the first batch of logistics earmarked for the service.

“By the end of this month, you will receive two tow trucks so that anytime any of these vehicles gets immobilized, you can move them back to base,” he disclosed. “You will also get 10 covert operational vehicles, which I have been cautioned not to talk about. It is only you who know you have them.”

He added that every police district will soon receive a standard patrol pickup, while a dedicated detachment will be trained in drone-assisted surveillance.

A Renewed National Commitment to Security

Mahama emphasised that the ceremony was not merely a presentation of machinery but a reaffirmation of the state’s obligation to protect its citizens.

“We are renewing our covenant with the people of Ghana that this nation will protect its citizens, that peace will be defended, and that Ghana will remain secure, stable and just,” he said.

According to him, a nation’s peace is not accidental. “Peace is built and established through investment, institutional strengthening, professionalism and vigilance,” he stressed.

The President vowed that criminals will not be allowed to take over any part of the country. “Ghana will not surrender a single street, a community or any public space to criminals today, tomorrow or forever,” he declared. “To those who insist on disturbing the peace of our nation… our message is simple: the Ghanaian state is ready.”

Protecting Officers and Enhancing Professionalism

Mahama lamented the loss of officers who died in the line of duty due to inadequate equipment, pledging that such situations would no longer be tolerated.

“Many men have died in the line of duty because they were not properly equipped for the assignments we asked them to do. That is going to be a thing of the past,” he assured.

He urged officers to use the new vehicles responsibly and safely. “These equipments are expensive and hard to procure, so you must use them judiciously,” he cautioned. “Wear your seatbelts, follow the safety instructions, and let your conduct reflect the honour of your uniform.”

He also reiterated that improved security is tied to reforms in police training, recruitment, supervision and respect for human rights.

A Message to the Public and Criminals

To the Ghanaian public, Mahama offered reassurance of the state’s commitment to safety. “Your lives, your businesses, your freedom and your property remain a top priority of this government,” he said.

He further warned criminal networks that their activities will be dismantled. “Your activities will be disrupted, your networks will be dismantled, and your impunity will be brought to an end,” he vowed.

President Mahama ended with a call for national unity in safeguarding peace. “As a people, we are peaceful but not passive, tolerant but not timid,” he said. “Let us renew our collective resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure Ghana remains a beacon of peace and security in our sub-region.”