The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has taken steps to revitalize the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day workshop for Public Affairs Officers in Accra, Mr. Yohuno emphasized the need for the unit to balance transparency with confidentiality, ensuring the integrity of sensitive information while keeping the public informed.
He acknowledged the media’s crucial role in crime-fighting and shaping public perceptions of police work. He stressed that media engagement should be internal, professional, and aligned with Police Service Instructions No. 7 (S.I.7), which provides clear guidelines for communication.
Mr. Yohuno described the workshop as a significant step in strengthening the public affairs arm of the service. He highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation, especially through digital and social media, and urged PR officers to be proactive in countering false narratives.
“As we respond to public demands and expectations, it is critical that our communication remains robust, transparent, and effective. This requires a constant reassessment of our police-public relations framework to adapt to changing circumstances. A well-tested approach will ensure police legitimacy and build public confidence. Your role as Public Affairs Officers in fostering positive interactions with the public is essential and directly impacts police effectiveness,” he stated.
Under the leadership of former IGP George Akuffo Dampare, police communication underwent significant changes. The Public Affairs Unit at the Police Headquarters primarily relied on press releases, and officers at the regional and district levels were restricted from speaking directly to the media.
Some Public Affairs Officers at the workshop expressed excitement over the revival of their roles, noting that the shift would allow them to sharpen their skills and contribute more actively to the service’s public engagement efforts.
With this initiative, IGP Yohuno aims to enhance police-media relations and ensure effective communication between the Ghana Police Service and the public.
Story by
Osman Issah Abadoo
