Interior Minister to Police Commanders: “Policy Without Execution Is Promise Without Performance”

The Minister of the Interior has charged Police Regional Commanders to take full responsibility for transforming the Ghana Police Service, warning that government policy alone cannot deliver results without strong execution at the command level.

Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders Conference at the National Police Headquarters on Friday, the Minister said the legitimacy of the State itself is shaped daily by how police officers conduct themselves.

“The Performance Rests On Your Shoulders”
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister praised officers of the Ghana Police Service for their sacrifices, noting that “Ghana remains safe and peaceful because of your diligence, dedication, and the exemplary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.”

He described the Ministry as a partner in building “a Police Service that every Ghanaian can trust, every citizen can approach and every community can rely upon.”

“Let me be direct about why this Conference matters. The Ghana Police Service is the most visible law enforcement arm of the State. Citizens encounter the state mostly by interfacing with the Ghana Police,” he said.

“The Ministry can secure budgets, advocate for resources and design policy frameworks — and we have done so and will continue to do so. However, policy without execution is promise without performance. The execution lies with you. The performance rests on your shoulders.”

Crackdown On Vigilante Groups and Unauthorized Training Videos
The Minister expressed concern over what he described as a “new trend” of chiefs, political parties, individuals and organizations building private forces for self-protection.

“The Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) is clear on the matter: these are illegal and should not be tolerated. There can be no forces for protection of any person or group except those authorized by the state,” he said.

“I therefore charge you and your commanders to nip this in the bud and bring perpetrators to book.”

He also directed all Service Commanders to stop the unauthorized recording and sharing of videos of recruits in training on social media.

“This practice must stop. Our training schools are institutions of discipline, professionalism and service. They must not become platforms for content that compromises the privacy, dignity or security of trainees,” he directed.

Tech-Driven Innovations For Policing
The Minister announced two major technology initiatives government is rolling out with private partners to enhance policing:

1. TRAFITECH: An automated system to enforce road traffic laws in partnership with the MTTD. He expects it to be introduced by the end of 2026 to help reduce road carnage.
2. National Criminal Automated Biometric Identification System: In collaboration with the CID, over 700 Digital Enrollment Stations will be deployed across the country by the end of 2026. The system is expected to enhance intelligence-led policing, data integrity, and fast-track investigations.

“This when completed will enhance security through Intelligence-Led Policing, Data Integrity & Accuracy, Secured Infrastructure and national coverage… It will deter criminals, protect vulnerable groups, improve justice delivery and community confidence,” he said.

“Are You Committed To Leading One?”
The Minister assured commanders that government will continue to resource and advocate for the police, but will also hold them to the highest standards of accountability and professionalism.

“The decisions you make here and the leadership you demonstrate when you return to your Regions, will determine whether the Ghana Police Service rises to meet the expectations of this nation,” he said.

“Ghana deserves a Police Service it can be proud of. The Government of Ghana is committed to building one. The Ministry is committed to enabling one. The only question that remains, which only you can answer is, are the commanders of this Service committed to leading one? I trust that you are.”

The conference brought together POMAB members, Regional Commanders and senior officers to review policing strategies for the remainder of 2026.